The mysterious giant earthworms of South Australia have long been a subject of fascination and speculation. For decades, ecologist Kristen Messenger has been collecting anecdotal evidence of these elusive creatures, which are said to be 'more than a metre long' and 'as thick as a garden hose'. While officially, giant earthworms do not exist in South Australia, Ms. Messenger's persistence has led her to discover some of these worms herself, with photos to prove it. The largest one she has seen evidence of appears to be about 2 metres long, and was found in the Mid North.
What makes this phenomenon particularly intriguing is the potential for these worms to be new species. Geoff Dyne, a visiting scientist at CSIRO, identified a new species of giant earthworm in Broken Hill in 2021. He suggests that some of the big worms found in South Australia are 'almost certainly new' species, given the lack of records in arid regions. The two-metre worm would certainly be a new species, as nothing on that scale is known from South Australia. Smaller ones could be the same species as the Mount Lofty one, but this can only be ascertained through anatomical dissection.
The question of how these giant worms have gone undiscovered for so long is also intriguing. Dr. Dyne suggests that South Australia's dry environment may have contributed to the lack of records. Ms. Messenger adds that the worms' elusive and hidden nature plays a role, as they spend most of their time underground and only come to the surface at night. Recent heavy rains, however, could lead to more daytime sightings.
The discovery of these giant worms raises important questions about the biodiversity of South Australia and the potential for undiscovered species. It also highlights the need for further research and documentation of earthworm populations in the region. While Ms. Messenger is passionate about the intrinsic value of these worms, she has no plans to turn to academia, preferring to continue her work in the field. The mystery of the giant earthworms of South Australia continues to captivate and intrigue, leaving much to be discovered and explored.
