Hairworms - Nematomorpha

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

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Worms
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Family:
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
31/08/2018 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
11/08/2020 (Roenisch, Saharima)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records