Usually occurs as a result of damage to the head - earthworms used to be used in school biology practicals to demonstrate how adaptable cell regrowth can be - you could cut a section out and attach the two ends and it would heal, you could reverse the cut section and reattach it and see what happens. You could cut through the head and the two sides would heal and grow. Nasty but memorable
 
From: Dan Gordon [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2014 04:36 PM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Conjoined worms?
 
Hello all,

I've had an unusual enquiry relating to a 'two headed' earthworm - see the attached picture. It's not something I've seen before.

Are these conjoined worms, or can someone offer a better explanation? 

Thanks,

Dan

 

Dan Gordon

Keeper of Biology

Great North Museum:Hancock

Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4PT

Tel: +44 (0)191 222 6784

Tel: +44 (0)191 277 2346 (Thursdays)


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