Johnson also told Animal Planet News that the worm has another "appealing feature that has not been widely reported."
He said, "When Paul Johnson (a colleague present at the 80s dig) and I held the worms in our hands to examine them, they 'spit' when prodded. We did not analyze the material, but it appeared to be mucus and gut contents, so they were probably actually regurgitating rather than spitting."
Johnson added, "It appeared to be a defensive behavior."
Sanchez-de Leon said "it is very easy to hurt" this apparently skittish worm. She and the other researchers estimate that human activities have destroyed all but approximately one percent of the worm's original population.
Name: Giant Palouse Earthworm (
Driloleirus americanus)
Primary Classification: Oligochaeta (Earthworms and Relatives)
Location: Eastern Washington and western Idaho
Habitat: Deep, rich soils of the Palouse bunchgrass prairies
Diet: Mainly fresh plant detritus
Size: Up to 3 ft in length
Description: Pinkish-white skin; long, segmented body; smells like lilies when handled
Cool Facts: It can grow up to three feet in length, which is around twice the maximum length of a regular earthworm. It emits a flowery aroma that smells like lilies when handled.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Major Threat(s): Habitat loss and competition from nonnative species
What Can I Do?: Visit
Defenders of Wildlife for information on how you can help.
