Meet the poisonous worm that regenerates when cut: World’s new invasive threat – Times of India

The idea of poisonous worms that can regrow and rapidly multiply sounds more like a scene out of a horror film. But it recently happened in Houston in Texas that saw a massive influx of hammerhead flatworms during heavy rains. These worms are foot-long and secrete toxins that can cause skin irritation in humans and are poisonous to pets if ingested.
The hammerhead flatworms are also called shovelhead or arrowhead worms.They can be spotted in lawns and roads after heavy rainfall. They survive in climates that are hot and humid, grow rapidly and are harmful for both humans and animals. What makes them scarier is that if cut to two pieces, they regenerate and become two worms. In Houston, citizens have been advised not to touch the worms with bare hands and wear proper gloves while handling them. They should be placed in a plastic bag with salt and vinegar before freezing them, which is the only possible way to kill them. Even after the worm is dead, it is not recommended to handle them with bare hands. If one touches them by mistake, it is advised to wash the affected area with soap, water and sanitizer. It is almost impossible to kill them otherwise.

This undated image provided by Bugwood.org shows a hammerhead worm. The narrow, snakelike flatworm has a head built like that of a hammerhead shark (Carole Knight/University of Georgia/Bugwood.org via AP)

A danger for ecosystems
Hammerhead flatworms get their name from their distinct hammer-shaped heads, similar to that of a hammerhead shark. Resembling small snakes, these foot-long worms release toxic slime that paralyzes earthworms, a crucial part of the ecosystem. Dr. Blake Layton Jr., an entomology expert from Mississippi State University, explains that the worm uses its mouth to coat earthworms with poisonous slime, ultimately consuming them. This poses a threat to ecosystems, as earthworms are vital to maintaining healthy soil.

Fast reproduction
The danger posed by hammerhead worms extends beyond their toxic slime. They are even more dangerous because of their ability to carry parasites and reproduce asexually. They can easily clone themselves. Their tail can grow into a new head and a new flatworm is created. Due to this quick reproduction method, they rapidly multiply and spread over a large area