Giant Palouse earthworm
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| Driloleirus americanus Smith, 1897 |
The giant Palouse earthworm or Washington giant earthworm (Driloleirus americanus, meaning lily-like worm[2]) is a species of earthworm belonging to the genus Driloleirus found in the Palouse region of Eastern Washington state as well as parts of Idaho in the United States. The worm was discovered in 1897. It can burrow down 5 meters (15 feet).[3]
Although it had been thought to be extinct in the 1980s, three additional sightings have demonstrated that the species, although vulnerable, is not yet extinct. The latest sighting included a specimen which was unearthed on 2005-05-27 by Yaniria Sanchez-de Leon, a graduate student from the University of Idaho.[4][3]
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[edit] Biology
Little is known about the giant Palouse earthworm. The worm is believed to grow up to 1 m (3 ft) in length. Modern specimens, however, have only been observed up to about half that length. The worm is albino in appearance, and when handled it gives off a scent similar to that of the lily flower.[2] It is reported to be able to spit in self-defense.[3]
This species' native habitat consists of the bunch grass prairies of the Palouse region. The fertile soil consists of deposits of volcanic ash and rich layers of organic matter, thought to sustain the worm during wet seasons. The worm burrows deep during summer droughts and is able to conserve water in its nephridia.[3][2]
[edit] Conservation status
As of 2001, the giant Palouse earthworm was considered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) to be endangered due to loss of habitat and competition from non-native species.[1][2] In August 2006, conservationists petitioned the U.S. government to list the worm under the Endangered Species Act.[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b World Conservation Monitoring Centre (1996). Driloleirus americanus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 2006-05-09. Listed as Vulnerable (VU D2 v2.3)
- ^ a b c d Giant Palouse Earthworm. Pacific Biology Institute's Endagered Species Information Network. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
- ^ a b c d e Geranios, Nicholas K. (2006-09-08). Giant worm is stuff of legends and must be saved, group says. Seattle Times. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
- ^ Wiley, John K. (2006-05-28). Scientist digs up a rare giant Palouse earthworm. Seattle Times. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
[edit] External link
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