Bobbit worms (Eunice sp.) are a type of annelid, or segmented worm, like an earthworm. Unlike earthworms, they’re found in marine habitats where they burrow into the silt and sand—a good position for keeping a low profile from predators and staking out prey. Bloodworm.

Bobbit worms are carnivorous (although they consume detritus when needed) and will extend along the proboscis from their heads with venom-bearing jaws for grasping prey. Its venom is generally not delivered in a quantity dangerous to humans, but it can produce a bite that stings. Bloodworm.

Their jaws have been interesting to scientists due to the high amounts of copper present in them, which had previously not been seen in a living organism. This unusual trait has the potential to help bioengineers develop new possibilities in materials science. Bloodworm.

The Bobbit worm can be found in the intertidal area of coastal marine and estuarine environments where they might be scooped up by seagulls, crabs, or bottom-feeding fish, down to depths of 24 meters (79 feet) or more. They are most often located in the benthic zone and in areas where the sediments are soft enough for burrowing. Bloodworm.

Maritime Provinces

The species shown here, Eunice, ranges from the shores of maritime provinces of eastern Canada, down along the east coast of the United States, and south along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Bobbit worms are commonly harvested and used as fishing bait. Bloodworm.