Jumping Worm (Amynthas spp.)

Invasive jumping earthworms are moving throughout New York State. These Asian exotics devour organic matter more rapidly than their European counterparts, stripping the forest of the layer critical for seedlings and wildflowers. Jumping worms grow twice as fast, reproduce more quickly, and can infest soils at high densities. In areas of heavy infestation, native plants, soil invertebrates, salamanders, birds, and other animals may decline. Jumping worms can severely damage roots of plants in nurseries, gardens, forests, and turf. By disturbing the soil, jumping worms help facilitate the spread of invasive species and interfere with natural nutrient cycling.

Photo: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

We have not had any reports of these worms in Wyoming County. If you think you may have seen theses worms, please report them on this website:  www.nyimapinvasives.org. For more information, view the Cornell Fact Sheet.

The following resources have been compiled by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties:

Cornell Cooperative Extension Jumping Worms Fact Sheet

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Species Spotlight

Invasive Earthworms in the Northeast from The University of Vermont, Plant & Soil Science Department

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Fact Sheet

Jumping Worm: The creepy damaging invasive you don't know from Cool Green Science blog

Jumping Worm Field Guide from Wisconsin

Last updated November 16, 2023