Hammerhead Worm

About

The hammerhead worm has a distinct, shovel-shaped head and a slimy, elongated body. They are carnivorous and hunt down earthworms, slugs, insect larvae, and each other (yes, they're also cannibals!) using a potent neurotoxin before liquefying their prey.

As if that wasn’t unsettling enough, they are nearly indestructible — if cut into pieces, each part can regenerate into a new worm! This is a form of asexual reproduction, which is a more common way for them to reproduce, even though they're hermaphrodites and are capable of sexual reproduction and laying eggs.

It is native to Asia, but they have become an invasive species in US, Canada, and parts of Europe, threatening native earthworm populations.