Feb 1, 2006

behold, Driloleirus americanus!

I was all excited about the find, an earthworm that "can reportedly grow to 3 feet long," until I read the article and learned that one, the actual specimen is only six inches long and two, much, much larger earthworms are found in Australia. (Added:)
There are around 1000 species of native earthworms in Australia. One of the most spectacular is the Giant Gippsland Earthworm; at over a metre long it is one of the largest earthworms in the world.
Fun fact: the Palouse earthworm exudes a lily-like odor when handled.

Update 6/30/09: Apparently folks are trying to get the EPA to protect the Palouse earthworm, after failing during the last administration.

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