The jumping worms hatch from eggs laid in the fall, which are in protected cocoons. Our familiar earthworms also have a raised clitellum that does not go completely around the body. This clitellum is also closer to the worm’s head than with the typical European earthworm you are familiar with. The narrow band around the worm, called the clitellum, goes completely around its body, is usually white to gray colored, and is smooth to the body. Jumping worm eggs hatch in the April/May time period and will continually grow, from 1 inch up to 8 inches long, until the soil freezes and kills the adults. Jumping worms are smooth, glossy brown or grayish and they move more like a snake rather, than crawling. Identification of Jumping Worms Jumping worm. This may at times create soil conditions that favor invasive plant species over native plants. Jumping worms feed voraciously on the soil organic matter and excrete material that appears grainy, like coffee grounds, which changes the soil chemistry and decreases nutrient availability. These worms are invasive and cause harm to the soil, unlike other common earthworm species. University Cooperative Extension services throughout the country are continuing research on possible control strategies for these jumping worms, but as gardeners it is important to identify ways to minimize their spread and contain them. Today, a new threat to our soil health and successful gardening has emerged on the scene: the jumping worm ( Amynthas spp.), also commonly known as the crazy worm and snake worm.
This diligence gives us confidence that as we bring new plants and soil into our gardens, we’re not bringing problems too. As gardeners, we’re already well trained to look for signs of disease, weeds, root health, and pests when buying, selling, or swapping plants.
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