Hairworms -
Alternative names
Gordion worms
Description
Long, thin wire-like worms found in damp or aquatic habitats. They are not segmented. They are typically 50-100 mm in length and 1-2 mm in diameter. Identifying this group to species is very difficult but we have included representative images below to illustrate the phylum.
Similar Species
Nematodes are similar and could be confused, though these are usually shorter in length and much more mobile.
Identification difficulty
Habitat
Damp and aquatic habitats.
When to see it
All year.
Life History
The larvae are parasitoids of various arthropods.
UK Status
Unknown - rarely recorded.
VC55 Status
Unknown
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015