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Bioluminescent secreting earthworms #836210

Asked June 18, 2023, 1:50 AM EDT

I was hoping to find out information about a worm we stumbled upon tonight while stargazing. We are located in Pueblo, CO. I noticed several spots of something blue glowing on a patch of semi sand ground where my daughter had just walked. After getting close to investigate I found some type of earth worm. When I picked it up the blue glowing substance transferred to my hands. I gently ran my other hand across the ground to see if there were more, and more glowing spots appeared, but I didn't find and other worms. I came inside to look at the specimen I did find and the closest thing I could find to it is Microscolex phosphoreus. I don't know enough to make a solid ID, but I saw some referances to it being invasive in some countries, so i thought I should ask about it. I have a picture of the worm in the light, but i couldn't get a decent photo of the bioluminescent secretions.

Pueblo County Colorado

Expert Response

This is somewhat outside my field, but your id seems plausible.  I did see a map showing  a collection location near us.
If you would like to follow up I suggest submitting your specimen to CSU's Plant Diagnostic Clinic (http://plantclinic.agsci.colostate.edu/).  They are connected to the 
National Plant Diagnostic Network which does track some invasive species.
Frank Peairs, Emeritus Professor of Entomology Replied July 14, 2023, 12:36 PM EDT

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