Southeastern Minnesota's forests are on steep slopes that can be prone to soil erosion. This MITPPC project is hoping to better understand the impact of jumping worms on these forest slopes. Preliminary study shows that  jumping worm-infested soils are extremely light and loose, likely making them highly susceptible to soil erosion by human footsteps, rainfall, and water runoff. 

Check out the information below to learn how you can help!

Keep an eye out for jumping-worm infested soils as you spend time outdoors.

Jumping worms are likely to be infesting moister north and east slopes. They're also more likely to be in areas that are near parking lots, picnic areas, or residential areas, as these are common introduction points. 

For this project, we're looking for jumping worm-infested sites in southeast Minnesota. The sites should be hardwood forested hillslopes with minimal understory (the picture included here is a good example). As part of the study, we’re also looking for comparative night-crawler infested hillslopes in adjacent areas. Start by looking for jumping worm-infested soils and we can look for nightcrawler-infested soils nearby.

If you find jumping worms in areas that don't fit this description for research sites, please report it to EDDMapS still This helps researchers, managers, and other professionals track the spread of invasive species. More info on reporting below.

Image: H.Kim

One way you can tell the presence of jumping worms is by the distinct texture of the top 2" of soil in an area they infest.  The soil will feel loose, granular, and crumbly, resembling cat litter or coffee grounds. This loose texture makes it possible to feel noticeable underfoot, even as you’re walking on it.

Images: H.Kim

Nightcrawler-infested soils are firmer and contain small mounds called middens. These middens are made of worm castings and plant residue (leaf petioles, mid-veins, and twigs). A way to confirm it’s a nightcrawler midden is by gently moving the midden and underneath will be a hole! This is the entrance to the nightcrawler burrow. 

Jumping worms do not create middens because they stay within the top 4" of soil. Nightcrawlers can burrow deeper than 6 feet.

Images: H.Kim

Whether it's in your yard or on public lands, please report jumping worms anywhere you find them.

It's free and easy to use the EDDMapS smartphone app or website to report invasive species including jumping worms. Only report jumping worms to EDDMapS if you have clear photos of an adult worm with a clitellum.

Download the app on your Android or Apple smartphone, set-up your login information and then you're ready to go. Skip to minute 1:15 and watch this short video to learn more.

Worm identification can be tricky so good photos are critical. For each EDDMapS report provide at least 3 good imagines of the worm from several angles and make sure the clitellum is visible and the photo clear. 

Jumping worms cannot be identified until the worm is mature and clitellum fully developed. In Minnesota this is likely mid-July. Before then jumping worms cannot be identified. Watch this video on how to take good identification photos (the video is from iNaturalist, but be sure to report your jumping worms to EDDMapS). 

Image: A.Gupta

Remember to clean the treads of your shoes and boots before you enter or leave a natural area. Jumping worm cocoons are very small and can travel with the mud stuck on your shoes, wheels, or equipment that you bring from place to place.

Images: Jumping worm cocoons by Marie Johnston

Boot brush by H.Kim