One of our readers wrote into us asking if worms could grow back body parts. This is a question that seems to be asked quite often. Many times, the question is about the regeneration of a worm and if it is cut in half, will it regenerate? This is a simple yet complex subject.

Many different worms may look alike from their head to their end, but in all actuality, most worms have two very distinct parts to their bodies. Most worms have a front side known as the anterior and a back side. Many people do believe that any worm can basically be cut in half and it will regenerate and become two whole worms. Most of the time, this only leaves you with two halves of a dead worm.

There does seem to be an exception to this rule. If the worm is cut in half and there is enough of the anterior left, the worm can regenerate. The worm is generally just a little bit smaller and different in color, but it will regenerate. Basically, the anterior has to be long enough to support the growth of the worm. It can only be cut in half so much. It has to have much of the anterior near the head left.

Creatures that can regenerate

As mentioned before, there is a great chance that when an earthworm is cut in half, it will regenerate. This is not true for all worms, but there are a few worms and other creatures that will regenerate if cut in a specific area. The flatworm is another worm that can regenerate if it is cut into two pieces. Scientists have been experimenting with flatworms for some time and have found that the worm can grow a new head just as easily as a new body. Other creatures that can regenerate include: starfish, sea squirts, and axolotl. Deer can even regenerate their antlers if they are cut off.

Basically, our reader needs to know that regeneration can happen. The right portion of the worm’s body just needs to be left in order to do so.

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