Massive earthworms discovered by scientists on Scottish island

[Judi Lynn]

Massive earthworms discovered by scientists on Scottish island

Giant worms thriving thanks to lack of predators on the Isle of Rum

By Roshina Jowaheer Jan 17, 2016
Updated: Jan 17th 2016 08:48 PM

Huge earthworms the size of snakes have been discovered by scientists on the remote Isle of Rum in Scotland.

They are three times the size of a normal worm and measure up to 40cm, around the same size as a baby adder.

Scientists say they have blossomed thanks to the island's rich soil and the lack of predators.

The worms were found at Papadil, a derelict settlement home to just 30 people.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Dr Kevin Butt, lead researcher on the earthworm study at the University of Central Lancashire, said: Without their activities we'd be a lot worse off. They're just as important as bees are in pollinating plants. They help aerate the soil and drain away water and stop surface erosion."

More:
http://travel.aol.co.uk/2016/01/17/giant-earthworms-discovered-scotland-isle-rum/

[DetlefK]

1. What happens when an alien spacesuit lands on such an earthworm?

[JesterCS]

7. Omg I played this game as a kid n/t

[Igel]

2. Baby earthwyrms. n/t

[hollysmom]

3. my thoughts are flipping between dune and Tremors.

eta - having found the video at the bottom - not as threatening as that weird human that pulls one out of the sand. Now he was scary.

[gvstn]

5. Tremors stands the test of time.

Still a good movie after all these years.

Kevin Bacon wins again.

[n2doc]

4. And we will certainly not be making fun of the good Doctor's name n/t

[NickB79]

6. Now I can finally catch that monster bass that's been teasing me!

I'll take 3 dozen.

[WheelWalker]

8. No predators? Cue the chickens.