Invasive Asian Jumping Worms Spread Across U.S., Threatening Ecosystems
Asian jumping worms, scientifically known as Amynthas agrestis, are spreading across the United States, reaching states like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. These worms, which can flip themselves a foot off the ground and reproduce without a mate, have been moving from California through 38 states. They arrived in the U.S. in the early 1900s via potted plants from the Far East. Known for their voracious appetite, these worms consume leaf litter and mulch, disrupting soil ecosystems and harming plant roots. Despite their impact, few states officially recognize them as invasive, complicating efforts to manage their spread. 
