Odd little worm found - Ask Extension
Hi,
I live in west Eugene, and I found a tiny little yellow worm in a tree in my front yard today. Never seen anything quite like it before. I've ...
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Odd little worm found #752025
Asked May 25, 2021, 11:46 AM EDT
Hi,
I live in west Eugene, and I found a tiny little yellow worm in a tree in my front yard today. Never seen anything quite like it before. I've attached a couple of pictures that I took of it. It's very thin, maybe 1mm in width, and when fully extended perhaps 3 to 4 cm in length.
Any idea what it could be? Should it be destroyed or would you like me to turn it in?
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Horsehair worm- Totally harmless and beneficial. Folklore thought the were horse hairs which turned into worms as they were often found in or near water troughs. They are in the Phylum Nematamorpha.
Hi Patricia,
Thanks so much for identifying the worm for me. It's good to know what it represented.
Best,
Jim
You are very welcome.