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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.

https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/horsehair-worms

Patricia Patterson Replied May 26, 2021, 3:11 PM EDT
Hi Patricia,

Thanks so much for identifying the worm for me. It's good to know what it represented.

Best,
Jim

On Wed, May 26, 2021 at 12:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2021, 9:20 AM EDT
You are very welcome.
On Tue, Jun 1, 2021 at 6:20 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Patricia Patterson Replied June 01, 2021, 2:17 PM EDT

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