This is a photo of the elusive
Eastern White Jumbo Snow Worm. Due to its colouration, it is rarely seen except in winter and is generally seen only on milder winter days. This soft-bodied invertebrate is a much larger distant genetic relative of the Ice Worm (
click here for Ice Worm info), but has adapted to tolerate milder winter temperatures and can survive year round in Eastern Canada by hibernating in the warmer months.
The Eastern White Jumbo Snow Worm is very slow-moving, and due to its low metabolic rate, one good feeding a year is usually sufficient. After a large feeding the creature generally goes into hibernation in small burrows underground. Although the Eastern White Jumbo Snow Worm can tolerate milder temperatures, extremely hot summers can severely decimate the dormant population so global warming poses a severe threat to this rare species.
The Eastern White Jumbo Snow Worm is a very shy creature and easily alarmed. Although it is most active in narrow temperature range of -5C to +3C, when frightened it freezes in position. To observe the movement, one must make an observation, leave and then return some time later. You will find the Eastern White Jumbo Snow Worm has moved. The worm is never seen in bright sunlight conditions, as they die quickly when exposed to direct sunlight with its strong UV content, and are more vulnerable to predators such as birds.
