critterscience
The Terrifying Bobbit Worm
The bobbit worm, aka sand striker, is a study in how terrifying nature can be. These creatures can be found primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, but can also be found in the Indo-Pacific. These predators, aka nightmare fuel, lay in wait for passing prey to happen by. Then they attack, with ferocious speed and power. These terrifying creatures are not currently evaluated by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
First the Stats...
Scientific name: Eunice aphroditois
Weight: Up to 16 ounces
Length: Up to 10 feet
Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These worms can have up to 673 segments!
2.) They use a protein-based mucous coating to line the walls of their burrow. This keeps it from caving in.
3.) Even though these worms have 2 rudimentary eyes, they instead rely upon 5 antennae to detect movement of prey.
4.) Bobbit worms have been around for around 20 million years, basically unchanged.
5.) They can be found in warmer waters at depths of up to 141 feet.
But wait, there's more on the bobbit worm!
6.) The bobbit worm attacks with such force that often times their prey is literally cut in half.
7.) They have a primary pair of mandibles and 4 - 6 pairs of maxillae (jaws or jawbones).
Did you know...?
Their name hails from a myth that the female worm cuts off the male's penis after mating and feeds it to her young. This is false as worms have neither penises nor vaginas, for that matter.
8.)
The Terrifying Bobbit Worm
The bobbit worm, aka sand striker, is a study in how terrifying nature can be. These creatures can be found primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, but can also be found in the Indo-Pacific. These predators, aka nightmare fuel, lay in wait for passing prey to happen by. Then they attack, with ferocious speed and power. These terrifying creatures are not currently evaluated by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
First the Stats...
Scientific name: Eunice aphroditois
Weight: Up to 16 ounces
Length: Up to 10 feet
Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These worms can have up to 673 segments!
2.) They use a protein-based mucous coating to line the walls of their burrow. This keeps it from caving in.
3.) Even though these worms have 2 rudimentary eyes, they instead rely upon 5 antennae to detect movement of prey.
4.) Bobbit worms have been around for around 20 million years, basically unchanged.
5.) They can be found in warmer waters at depths of up to 141 feet.
But wait, there's more on the bobbit worm!
6.) The bobbit worm attacks with such force that often times their prey is literally cut in half.
7.) They have a primary pair of mandibles and 4 - 6 pairs of maxillae (jaws or jawbones).
Did you know...?
Their name hails from a myth that the female worm cuts off the male's penis after mating and feeds it to her young. This is false as worms have neither penises nor vaginas, for that matter.
8.)