Breaking News
UI investigates discovery of two probable giant Palouse earthworms
May 2, 2008, 12:23 pm
By ERIC BARKER
of the Tribune
Researchers from the University of Idaho are investigating the probable discovery of two native giant Palouse earthworms.
Two partial but damaged pieces of native worms belonging to the same genus as the giant Palouse earthworm were discovered, one near Moscow in March and the other near Leavenworth, Wash., in November. Researchers believe they are giant Palouse earthworms, but havent been able to say for certain if they belong to the same species. That is largely because both specimens are damaged.
The latest specimen was found on private land belonging to Wayne and Jacie Jensen south of Moscow on Paradise Ridge. It consists of two 1-inch segments.
From everything we can see about the Paradise Ridge earthworm it is a giant Palouse earthworm, said Bill Loftus, a science writer and spokesman for the UI College of Agriculture. It has the right color, the right number of internal structures per segment, all the fine details except the clinching factors arent there to look at.
The Leavenworth specimen is nearly intact but the band around its midsection is missing, making it impossible to say for certain its a giant Palouse earthworm.
Researchers have samples of giant Palouse earthworms they can compare the two specimens to but since the samples have been preserved in formaldehyde, a DNA analysis cant be done.
Giant Palouse earthworms are believed to be able to grow up to 3 feet long, they are white or pink, sometimes have a lily odor when handled and have been reported to spit at attackers. A Washington State University researcher wrote in 1897 that the worms were common but they have been rarely seen in the last 100 years. A UI graduate student unearthed one in 2005. It was the first discovery of a giant Palouse earthworm in 20 years.
A coalition of environmental groups is seeking Endangered Species Act protection for the worm but its petition to have it protected was rejected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The groups are now suing the agency over the decision.
Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2273.
