A group of American scientists have found on the beaches of Texas some specimens of Amphinome Rostrata, also known by the not very reassuring name of “fireworms”. This species was discovered about 250 years ago by the Prussian naturalist Peter Simon Pallas, but it had been several years since they had been found on the shore. The sightings recorded on the Texan coasts have fueled the researchers’ concern, also because Amphinome Rostrata can live practically anywhere and can be present at every latitude, from the USA to New Zealand.
Fireworms on Texas Beaches
The first to raise the alarm were scientists from the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, who shared images of the poisonous worms found in Texas on social media, calling these little animals “the worst nightmare.” The reason is understandable and is also the reason for such a threatening name. As explained by one of the scientists, Jace Tunnell: “The worm releases its venom, which causes intense burning and redness of the affected area.” These worms, which can exceed 20 centimeters in length, are made up of a long series of segments, between 60 and 150, and with their spines they have no difficulty stinging the foot of those walking on the sand. The bristles they are covered with can penetrate human skin, thus depositing the venom.
What to do in case of contact
They can live between 2 and 9 years and can also reproduce asexually. “I could cut one in half and it would grow back,” Professor Tunnel told the Washington Post. In addition to the severe pain, the venom can also cause dizziness: experts recommend covering the area with duct tape and then tearing it off to remove the bristles from the skin. Then, as is the case with jellyfish, the area should be washed and disinfected. According to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), these types of worms are found all over the world, from the Gulf Coast of Texas to the scuba diving paradise known as Poor Knights Islands, located east of the coast of Tutukākā in New Zealand. To eliminate them, you have to rely on fish and crabs, which include fireworms in their diet.
The effects on the human body
There are also those who wanted to experience the effects of the fireworm firsthand, like YouTuber Mark Vins, who in the video entitled “Burned” decided to rub a large specimen on his arm. As the images show, the effects manifest themselves almost immediately. A pain that is difficult to bear, with the man who after a few moments decides to use adhesive tape to remove the bristles and feel a little relief. “Even a month later the pain returned every time I started to sweat – Vins said -. I was left with a scar on my arm”. The advice of scientists, and also of the YouTuber, is always the same: if you see these worms on the beach, do not touch them for any reason.