Crazy worms besiege the US

The United States is besieged by one of the invasive species known as "crazy worms", "snake worms"and" Alabama jumpers".

Crazy worms differ from rain worms not for the better. They remove the nutrients from the soil, and leave only a substance that resembles coffee grounds. The problem is compounded by the fact that they displace all useful worms, which threatens to trouble local invertebrates, fungi and plants due to the deterioration of the soil.

Adults lay eggs in huge quantities, and even the same color as the soil, so that they are very difficult to notice. Newly hatched worms quickly cope with the nutrients of the topsoil, before going in search of more satisfying pastures.

Originally from Korea and Japan, the crazy worms first arrived in North America around the 19th century. Like many other invasive species in history, they have "cruised" ships carrying soil and botanical materials around the world. Some suggest that the worms are still spreading, despite the fact that their habitat already covers fifteen states.

Experts are considering options for destroying the worm population with the help of special fires.