Hammerhead worms appear in large numbers in Texas after heavy rains

Hammerhead worms with dangerous neurotoxins are exploding in numbers in Texas. Experts warn against touching them, as they can be harmful.

The US state of Texas is facing a large number of hammerhead worms after weeks of heavy rain. In particular, the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas are places where many hammerhead worms emerge from the ground after heavy rain. Photo: NBCDFW.com.

Hammerhead worms are an invasive species from Southeast Asia that has been present in the United States since the late 1800s, according to experts. Photo: Jennifer Serfass.

Hammerhead worms prey on earthworms, an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. They are distinguished by their unusual hammer-shaped heads. Photo: Samantha Gilcrease.

As adults, each hammerhead worm can be up to 30 - 38 cm long. Photo: Jennifer Serfass.

Hammerhead worms attack their prey by secreting a neurotoxin that can irritate the skin and weaken pets if ingested. Photo: komonews.com.

Experts warn that hammerhead worms can transmit harmful parasites to humans. Although they are not life-threatening, direct contact with them can cause skin irritation. Photo: Mike Prince/Flickr.

Therefore, authorities warn people not to touch hammerhead worms with bare hands and absolutely not to destroy them by cutting them in half. Photo: Canva.

This is because hammerhead worms reproduce primarily by fragmentation. Any part that breaks off will form a new one within 10 days. So if you cut it in half, it will then turn into two hammerhead worms. Photo: conservationhamilton.ca.

To kill hammerhead worms, experts recommend placing them in a bag and freezing them for 48 hours or soaking them in a mixture of salt and vinegar. Photo: Pong Wira / Shutterstock.

Readers are invited to watch the video : Discovering many new species in the Mekong River Region. Source: THĐT1.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/sau-mua-lon-giun-dau-bua-xuat-hien-rat-nhieu-o-texas-post1549230.html