Giant earthworms found in SA 'almost certainly' a new species
Ecologist Kristen Messenger has spent 30 years documenting sightings of giant earthworms in South Australia, which are currently not formally recognized by science. Experts believe these creatures, some reaching up to two meters in length, represent an entirely new species.
Why it matters
The discovery of a new, large species highlights the ongoing gaps in biological classification and the importance of citizen science in biodiversity research.
Ashleigh Heinrich originally thought this worm was a baby snake. ( Supplied: Ashleigh Heinrich )
An insect ecologist has been monitoring giant earthworm sightings across South Australia for 30 years, despite the species not formally being recognised in the state.
According to a scientist and environmental consultant, the massive creatures are an "almost certainly new" species.
Recognising a new species involves research and the publication of a scientific paper.
Link copied Share Share article Officially, giant earthworms do not actually exist in South Australia.
Anecdotally, there have been dozens of encounters with the elusive creatures, according to ecologist Kristen Messenger.
She has spent the past 30 years keeping track of giant earthworm sightings which, according to some accounts, are "more than a metre long" and as "thick as a garden hose".
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