Amynthas | |
---|---|
Amynthas aspergillum (Taiwan) | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Annelida |
Clade: | Pleistoannelida |
Clade: | Sedentaria |
Class: | Clitellata |
Order: | Opisthopora |
Suborder: | Lumbricina |
Family: | Megascolecidae |
Genus: |
Amynthas Kinberg, 1867 |
Amynthas is a genus of earthworms in the family Megascolecidae. [1] They are known as jumping worms, snake worms, or crazy worms because of their erratic thrashing behaviour when disturbed. [2] [3] [4] [5] The genus is native to East Asia, but they are invasive in many areas of the United States. [3] [5] [6] They are a matter of concern in many states, as they disrupt the native forest ecology by affecting soil structure and chemistry. [3] [7]
Amynthas species can be differentiated from other earthworms by their clitellum, which is pale, annular, is close to the head, and lies flat against the body. [3] [8] They vary in size between 3.8 and 20.3 cm (1.5 and 8.0 in). [8] [9]
Amynthas species' faster reproduction rate and their ability to reproduce asexually (parthenogenesis) has contributed to their spread into the United States. [10] The worms reach maturity in 60 days, which allows them to have two hatches per year. [10] Eggs are wrapped in small cocoons, which overwinter while the adults die off at the first freeze each year. [11] The young then emerge the next spring. [12]
Amynthas | |
---|---|
Amynthas aspergillum (Taiwan) | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Annelida |
Clade: | Pleistoannelida |
Clade: | Sedentaria |
Class: | Clitellata |
Order: | Opisthopora |
Suborder: | Lumbricina |
Family: | Megascolecidae |
Genus: |
Amynthas Kinberg, 1867 |
Amynthas is a genus of earthworms in the family Megascolecidae. [1] They are known as jumping worms, snake worms, or crazy worms because of their erratic thrashing behaviour when disturbed. [2] [3] [4] [5] The genus is native to East Asia, but they are invasive in many areas of the United States. [3] [5] [6] They are a matter of concern in many states, as they disrupt the native forest ecology by affecting soil structure and chemistry. [3] [7]
Amynthas species can be differentiated from other earthworms by their clitellum, which is pale, annular, is close to the head, and lies flat against the body. [3] [8] They vary in size between 3.8 and 20.3 cm (1.5 and 8.0 in). [8] [9]
Amynthas species' faster reproduction rate and their ability to reproduce asexually (parthenogenesis) has contributed to their spread into the United States. [10] The worms reach maturity in 60 days, which allows them to have two hatches per year. [10] Eggs are wrapped in small cocoons, which overwinter while the adults die off at the first freeze each year. [11] The young then emerge the next spring. [12]