Touch-Me-Not
WormsWhy do so many people have such an aversion to worms? Especially at the idea of touching a worm? Oh, sure, there a few species that are a bit slimy to the touch, but what's the big deal about that? One would think that from the way some people recoil at the thought of touching a worm they were afraid that the thing was going to attack them . . . or worse!
Of course, most divers would probably feel that they know differently. Marine worms, in general, are not repulsive creatures, but are beautiful animals, often sought as subjects to photograph. Hence, there is no repulsiveness or fear of getting attacked by worms under the sea. That's right, it would seem almost laughable to think that a colorful flatworm or a frilly feather duster worm could attack any person.
But if a person happens to meet up with an amphinoimid worm, the story is altogether different. These are some of the nastiest worms around, not only in California, but anywhere around the world.
Often called fire worms, and also referred to as bristle worms, these animals are still quite pretty and photo worthy. At first, they don't look all that fear-inspiring. They are fairly typical looking of any old free living polychaete worms, slender segmented worms four to eight inches in length, with delicate barely perceivable fluffs of setae (or bristle-like structures) on both sides of their segments. Usually these worms stay hidden under rocks or in soft mud.
At times, a person will dig in that mud or overturn a rock, such as when clamming or searching for bait, and notice an intriguing creature and, out of curiosity, grab hold of it to get a closer look. Bad idea. And one that a person will likely only do once. A fire worm can immediately change from being innocent looking into a monstrous slithering dispenser of venom-filled hypodermic needles. Those short setae on its side can instantly be extended like a cat can extend its claws, revealing a mass of bristles. These are sharp and can easily penetrate human skin, causing a painful burning sensation, swelling, and redness, not unlike that of nettles or prickly pear cactus spines. Furthermore, these setae are filled with a poison and what's more, are brittle and can break off in the victim's skin.
There is no medical antidote for the venom, so the best thing that can be done with human skin turned into a living pincushion filled with the fire worm setae is to carefully use tape, such as masking tape, to try to remove the offending needles. Then use some alcohol to ease the discomfort (that is, rubbing alcohol used externally, although undoubtedly some people have been tempted at least, to use other types of alcohol internally for such pain.) Even if properly treated, residual itching may last for a day or so. If not properly treated, a fire worm injury is susceptible to secondary infection, and in cases when that has not been taken care of, the injured area had to be amputated.
Nasty little worms indeed, and definitely not ones to mess with. However, in general, no one should have to. Amphinomid worms are considered to be shy, timid creatures, as evidenced by their preference for a secluded existence under beach boulders.
California's two species are slow moving and feed by sucking nourishment out of sedentary marine invertebrates. The California fire worm (Pareurythoe californica), is the smaller of the two, both in size, about four inches long, and in range, Central and Southern California. The seven to eight-inch long greater fire worm (Eurythoe complanata), is a worldwide intertidal and subtidal species, found not only in the southern part of California, but also in the tropical Indo-Pacific and Atlantic. It comes in cream colors, pale pink or blue, with bright orange or red accents. A very pretty animal, if enjoyed at a distance!
The California fire worm is usually found in pairs together, while the greater fire worm may be found in larger groupings. Yet fire worms don't absolutely need to get together in order to assure continuance of their kind. While they can and do reproduce sexually, they are also capable of asexual reproduction, breaking into smaller pieces that thus regenerate into entire new worms.
In spite of all their interesting features and even their attractiveness, a relatively small amount of information on fire worms is readily available to the average person. While in some ways, that would seem surprising; in other ways, it makes perfect sense. Not only are these animals reclusive, but they especially are not cuddly critters that most people want to get close to. Forceps or heavy gloves are recommended for anyone who does feel inclined to take a closer look at one when alive (once dead, they are essentially harmless).
So perhaps there is good reason for the aversion some people have about touching a worm. Maybe not touching the supposed slimy ones, but there certainly is to touching those pretty, colorful, and innocent looking finger-attacking fire worms!
Nancy Vander Velde is a frequent contributor to
California Diving News. She has also illustrated several books.
Drawings by Nancy Vander Velde.