An invasive species of earthworm was recently confirmed in Dubuque and Muscatine counties by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

This species of earthworm, commonly known as jumping worm, was not known to reside in Iowa habitats until now, although it has been confirmed in nearby states. Jumping worms originated in East Asia and were confirmed in the neighboring states of Wisconsin in 2013 and Illinois in 2015. The jumping worm is also sometimes referred to as crazy worms or Alabama jumpers. The jumping worm is most identifiable by its vigorous wriggling and thrashing behavior when picked up or disturbed. These worms behave more like snakes than worms. Jumping worms are able to consume soil and leaf litter at a faster rate than other earthworms, and reproduce more quickly, allowing it to out-compete other species.