In a recent nature expedition, our team embarked on a journey to the seashore in search of a specific species of worm. What we encountered was truly captivating – weathered bedrock protruding into the incoming tide, creating gullies of fine sand that provided easy access to the lower part of the shore, the dwelling place of the worms.
These sociable worms were abundant, releasing their offspring into the water column during the breeding season. Rather than dispersing, the chemical signals emitted by the adult worms attract the juveniles back to their community, resulting in a rapid growth in the colony’s population.
The male worms, measuring approximately 3-4cm in length, and the larger female worms, reaching up to 10cm, construct tubular structures for protection against predators. They secrete mucus to bind sand grains and broken seashells together, forming a tube-like structure resembling a large drinking straw.
For a thriving habitat, the worms require rock surfaces to attach their tubes to, as well as a nearby supply of sand suitable for construction. In areas where the worms are abundant, their tubes rise vertically from the rock, creating a reef that resembles a honeycomb, hence their fitting name – Honeycomb Worms.
During high tide, each worm filters water into its tube, extracting plankton for nourishment. Their ideal habitat includes solid bedrock, clean fine sand, sheltered waters rich in plankton, and the presence of fellow worms, all contributing to the thriving ecosystem of these marine creatures.
Honeycomb Worms are found in favourable conditions around Ireland, with a global range stretching from the Outer Hebrides in Scotland to the coasts of Morocco in West Africa. While some individuals have been reported to live up to nine years, the average lifespan is estimated to be around two years.
This remarkable species of worms plays an essential role in the marine ecosystem, contributing to the formation of reefs and the overall biodiversity of coastal habitats. Their unique behaviors and architectural prowess undoubtedly make them a captivating subject of study and admiration for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.