You may think you know everything about earthworms — the harmless wriggling creatures that help gardens grow, right?

Think again.

There’s a new kind of worm on the block — and it’s doing anything but helping the soil.

Known as jumping worms , crazy worms , or Alabama jumpers , these invasive species are wreaking havoc on ecosystems across the United States. From forests to backyards, they’re moving fast — and leaving bare soil, dead plants, and damaged lawns in their wake.

And if you haven’t heard of them yet… you will soon.

Let’s dive into what jumping worms are, how to identify them, why they're dangerous, and most importantly — what you should do if you spot one near you.

What Are Jumping Worms?

Despite their name, jumping worms aren’t just garden pests — they’re highly invasive species from Asia (primarily Amynthas and Metaphire species) that have made their way into the U.S. through horticultural trade, mulch, compost, and soil movement.

They’re often mistaken for regular earthworms — but once you know what to look for, the differences become clear.

Unlike common earthworms that wiggle slowly, jumping worms move like snakes when disturbed. They can even detach their tails when grabbed — just like lizards.

And unlike beneficial native worms, jumping worms destroy soil quality , strip nutrients, and leave behind dry, granular soil that resembles coffee grounds.