The UW-Madison Arboretum is working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the University of Vermont on a survey to determine how extensively the invasive Asian jumping worms (Amynthas spp.) have spread in the state. I've taken the survey and it is quick and easy to do online. There are lots of opportunities to add more detailed information about your experiences with the worms. There is also a shortened version if you want to get involved but don't actually have these worms in your garden or on your property. Take the survey here.
I asked the Invasive Species (plants) person that was here working if he had heard about these worms being in INdiana. He said he had heard about them but didn't know of any were here. I hope not but it is probably just a matter of time. Like most invasives they get around.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 05:17 PM
No sign of it here yet, but I know it's only a matter of time. We talk about it (and see it) frequently during our volunteer sessions at the Arb.
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 08:59 PM
They are common here in Alabama. I contacted our County Extension agent about them and he responded but didn't really seem to get it. When I pressed him about it because of the concerns in Wisconsin, he said our soil structure was different (or something like that) and they aren't a problem here and have been down here for a long time. I'm so sorry for the damage they are doing up there.
Posted by: Barbara H. | Sunday, October 01, 2017 at 09:15 AM
Though they are from Asia, we also call them Alabama jumping worms since that is where they came from in the US. Interesting that they don't change the soil structure but probably not surprising. I think they were originally imported to use as fish bait.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Sunday, October 01, 2017 at 09:31 AM