Invasive species alert: Jumping worms in Cook & DuPage

The earthworm is native to East Asia but has been sold in the United States as bait under the names crazy worm, Alabama jumper, and snake worms. The worm has characteristic coloration and behavior. When disturbed, jumping worms become very active, wriggling and thrashing vigorously. Adult worms are approximately the same size as the naturalized earthworms, but are much darker. Most of the tissue is dark grey/brown, with a milky white bad of tissue (the clitellum) circling the body. The clitellum is also smooth, compared to other species which are raised.

Jumping worms are voracious consumers of organic material, affecting soil quality. They breed quickly and eggs can survive our winters. Adults reach maturity in approximately 60 days, allowing populations to double during the growing season. These worms are also capable of reproducing without mating. Concerns include the effect these worms will have on native areas, ornamental plantings, and agronomic fields. Recommendations to prevent the spread of jumping worms and their eggs include cleaning equipment before moving it to another site, reducing the transportation of mulch and soil, and carefully inspecting nursery plants before installing them in a new landscape.

Populations of jumping worms are known from other states, where they are considered to be highly invasive and detrimental. Investigations are still ongoing in Illinois and a project is underway to locate new populations of this species in Illinois. If anyone suspects they have a population of jumping worms, please contact Extension Forester Chris Evans (cwevans@illinois.edu or 618-695-3383) or the Plant Clinic (plantclinic@illinois.edu or 217-333-0519).