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Posted in Caterpillars Leeches Segmented Worms Annelida

Black Worm-like Creature Could be Leech or Caterpillar

“Are these crane fly larvae, or horse-leeches?” asks Jonathan about the black, worm-like creature pictured below. “I’m in western NC. These guys are about a ¼-inch long. Closest I could find on my own research are the two stated above. Thank you for your time!” After doing some sleuthing of our own, we have always come to similar conclusions as Jonathan – this does resemble crane fly larvae somewhat (though this creature is a little darker than most crane fly larvae), and it does look like a horse leech (though not as slimy, but that could be due to drying out). In addition to these two creatures, we thought this looked like it could be a lugworm or a stick-resembling caterpillar such as the Geometer moth caterpillar.

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Posted in Caterpillars Worms Facts Worms Generally

Hair-like Organisms Surrounding Stick May Be Horsehair Worms

“What kind of worm is this?” asks this reader in Dallas Texas regarding the long, thin objects pictured below. At a glance, the photo seems to display hair-like strands of matter that lay scattered around a big twig.

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Posted in Caterpillars Interesting Worms Worms Generally

A Brief Overview of Stick Caterpillars

Stick caterpillars have been found by this reader, who has graciously presented us with excellent pictures and a video of these creatures. This article will provide a basic overview of these wonderful insects.

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Posted in Caterpillars Interesting Worms Worms Facts

Brown, Stick-like Worm Found on Deck is a Stick Caterpillar

“I found this thing on my back deck on some rugs I took out to shake,” says this reader about the long, brown object in the photograph below. Our reader says that “it had split at the darker end” but that it is “tubular at the other end.”