2007 Inquiries
A hairy worm? - December 2007
What happens when the worm takes the bait?
Question:
Hi, would someone be able to help identify this critter.
It was caught on a line in the ocean at Burrum Heads by my 7 yr old granddaughter.
It was about 50mm long and looked like a grub with feathers. It was ribbed on the underside and had a sucker type mouth.
Hope the photos are of help.
I would like an email reply too so I can send it to my grand kids who were with me.
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Answer:
Your critter is a type of Fire Worm. These worms belong to the group of worms known as Polychaete worms and are distantly related to earthworms (which belong to the group known as Oligochaete worms). I’ve also caught them on a hook and line and been amazed at the size hook they will engulf. They do this with an eversible pharynx (foregut) which can be protruded to cover the prey. The body of the worm is then pulled forward over the everted gut.
The ’feathers’ along the side of the body are made of bunches of hairs called setae. These setae can penetrate human skin where they will then break off. The accidental or careless handling of a Fire Worm can become a very painful experience.
Thanks for your inquiry & photos
Rat in the garden - November 2007
When is a mouse a rat?
Question:
We live in Capalaba and this morning we found what initially appeared to be a (pest) mouse in our garden. Unfortunately the poor little thing was dead, however on closer inspection it appears to not be a pest mouse and it actually very closely resembles a Water Mouse as published in your book "Wildlife of Greater Brisbane". I’m sending this email as I note that these animals are apparently quite rare and you may want to know about it. I've attached two photos for your information.
The dimensions of the mouse are slightly different to those stated in the book and we don't appear to live in an area where these animals are located, however it certainly has a clearly defined white belly and its facial structure very closely resembles that of the Water Mouse. It appears to be a male mouse as I can see what I think is a penis - I can't however see testicles however I'm sure these are quite small on an animal this size!! As discussed, I've put the mouse in the freezer should you want to take a look at it.
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Answer:
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm afraid it is not a Water Mouse, but Rattus rattus, a plain old Rat.
The combination of long tail (longer than the body), white belly, and big ears give it away. Water Mice, on the other hand, have tails shorter than the body and ears that will not fold over the half the eye when pulled forward (as is the case of a rat).