Rare Giant Palouse Earthworm Discovered
Author: University of Idaho
Published on Feb 1, 2006, 07:14
The white, lily-scented denizen of the region's fertile, deep soils reportedly can grow to 3 feet long. The rolling hills of the Palouse sprawl across an estimated 2 million acres of north central Idaho and southeastern Washington.
Sanchez-de Leon collected the 6-inch white worm from a remnant of Palouse prairie while studying earthworm populations and carbon dynamics in native prairie and retired farmland.
Northwest earthworm expert William M Fender-Westwind confirmed the identification of the worm Sanchez-de Leon found last May. His confirmation supported her initial identification and another by earthworm experts gathered for a workshop in her native Puerto Rico in November.
"This is exciting," said James B. "Ding" Johnson, UI Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences Department head. "By earthworm standards, they're pretty cool."
"It's good news that this rare and interesting species is still with us," Johnson said. He and graduate student Paul Johnson are believed to be the last scientists to document a sighting of the worm.
-snip-
Author: University of Idaho
Published on Feb 1, 2006, 07:14
The white, lily-scented denizen of the region's fertile, deep soils reportedly can grow to 3 feet long. The rolling hills of the Palouse sprawl across an estimated 2 million acres of north central Idaho and southeastern Washington.
Sanchez-de Leon collected the 6-inch white worm from a remnant of Palouse prairie while studying earthworm populations and carbon dynamics in native prairie and retired farmland.
Northwest earthworm expert William M Fender-Westwind confirmed the identification of the worm Sanchez-de Leon found last May. His confirmation supported her initial identification and another by earthworm experts gathered for a workshop in her native Puerto Rico in November.
"This is exciting," said James B. "Ding" Johnson, UI Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences Department head. "By earthworm standards, they're pretty cool."
"It's good news that this rare and interesting species is still with us," Johnson said. He and graduate student Paul Johnson are believed to be the last scientists to document a sighting of the worm.
-snip-
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