Predatory Worm Discovered In North Carolina Has Scientists Puzzled

This thing looks like something from outer space. A predatory worm discovered in North Carolina has some scientists puzzled. According to North Carolina State's Plant and Insect Clinic, this unknown worm has been found in flowerpots at a North Carolina nursery.

According to our source, the Charlotte Observer, the worms have been found in three different locations. A new study says they were found in Charlotte and also in Kinston in Lenoir County and Locust in Stanley County.

They do know there is no threat to humans but scientists are not clear about the damage that could happen to the ecosystem. In a press release from the clinic, here is what the director says about the worm,“The new species is called Amaga pseudobama and we know very little about it,”.

The press release published in the Charlotte Observer goes on to say,“It has not been observed in the wild or native habitats, so we don’t know much about how it interacts with its environment. We can infer from what we know about related species, but we don’t know precisely what it preys on, how quickly it reproduces, and so on.”

It kind of reminds me of that little alien creature in the movie, "Life". But I'm sure it's fine. We will stand by to see what more is discovered.

New research shows an increase of 1 in 3 people now purchasing native plants and gardening for wildlife. Why are natives so important?

Native plants are the core of the wildlife habitat garden. Even small-scale native plant gardens that incorporate blooming plants for multiple seasons are proven to increase pollinator abundance and diversity. Within days or even moments after native plants are introduced to a space, wildlife can appear. Research shows wildlife habitat gardens support 50% more wildlife than surrounding conventional landscapes.

Not only do natives support more local wildlife, but they are more suited to withstand the climate in North Carolina. For example, trees native to storm-prone regions are more likely to withstand high winds. North Carolina's state bird, the cardinal -30% of its diet relies on insects these many native plants provide.

Plants such as ornamental pear, taxus, barberry, as considered exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world or were cultivated by humans into forms that don’t exist in nature do not support wildlife as well as native plants. Occasionally, they can even escape into the wild and become invasives that destroy natural habitats. Not only do they destroy and crowd out native plants, but they don’t support local wildlife.

Replacing invasives with native plants reverses the dominance of non-beneficial plants in the landscape, a key contributor to habitat loss that has hurt many wildlife species. By doing so, you’ll cut down on the amount of water, pesticides, and fertilizers you use. Native plants are low-maintenance. They help the environment the most when planted in places that match their growing requirements. They will thrive in the soils, moisture, and weather of your region. That means less supplemental watering, which can be wasteful, and pest problems that require toxic chemicals. Native plants also assist in managing rainwater runoff and maintaining healthy soil as their root systems are deep and keep soil from being compacted. They also minimize further negative impacts on wildlife and pollution of local water resources.

The following plants are native to and will thrive in North Carolina. By planting these in your garden, you will help local wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature.

This keystone plant supports monarch butterflies and is the only plant on which they lay their eggs, Queen butterflies (Danaus gilippus), 96% of backyard birds that rely on these insects to feed their young, and Dozens of other pollinator species foraging for nectar.

Grayleaf Goldenrod supports 104 butterfly species, 42 species of pollen specialist bees, 96% of backyard birds that rely on these insects to feed their young, and dozens of other pollinator species foraging for nectar.

Beard Tongue Foxglove Keystone native plant supports 33 native pollen specialist bee species, 109 butterfly species, 96% of backyard birds that rely on these insects to feed their young, and dozens of other generalist pollinator species foraging for nectar.

Smooth Blue Aster is actually a late-season bloomer. It supports 33 native pollen specialist bee species, 109 butterfly species, 96% of backyard birds that rely on these insects to feed their young, and dozens of other generalist pollinator species foraging for nectar in fall.

Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm is used by 3 butterfly species, 96% of backyard birds rely on these insects to feed their young.

Cardinal Flower is a gorgeous one. It supports the ruby-throated hummingbirds, the only hummingbird native to the Eastern U.S., and dozens of other generalist pollinator species foraging for nectar in fall, also 1 pollen specialist bee (the sweat bee (Dufourea monardae), 3 butterfly species, 96% of backyard birds that rely on these insects to feed their young.