Colorado Department of Agriculture
They jump up to 30 cm in height, causing serious damage to forest soils by quickly devouring surface organic matter.
They are bouncy and they are invasive.
Os jumping worms (especially Wild Amyntas) are invasive Asian earthworms that move like snakes and “jump” up to 30 cmcausing severe damage to forest soils by rapidly devouring surface organic matter. They are distinguished by a white/gray ring on the body, violent movement and tough cocoons that invade new locations.
And they have already turned into a national problem in the USAespecially for the agriculture. North American agricultural authorities are on alert due to the rapid spread of this species, which usually originates in East Asia.
Already established in several regions of the eastern and northwestern United States, these organisms recently arrived in the central state of Colorado, raising significant environmental concerns.
The detection occurred in October 2025 and prompted the Colorado Department of Agriculture to issue a Notice aimed at nurseries, gardeners and land owners.
Os cocoons These tiny, tough worms—comparable to mustard seeds—survive the winter and spread easily through soil, fertilizer, or farm equipment.
When they hatch in spring, the worms feed on organic matter at a much higher rate than other species, destroying the topsoil essential for native plants and forest ecosystems.
Experts warn that this activity can aggravate the conditions of seca in Colorado, compromising nutrient and moisture retention.
These worms would have arrived in North America in the 19th century through the plant trade. Since then, they have expanded to dozens of states.
Their presence degrades the soil, increases erosion and favors the proliferation of invasive plants, in addition to displacing native species of earthworms, which are essential for the health of ecosystems. They produce granular residue similar to coffee grounds on the surface of the soil.
Although there are no effective eradication methods, early identification is essential. Authorities recommend close vigilance and appeal to the population to avoid moving contaminated soil or plants, to stop the spread of this environmental threat.
