SUMMER may be winding down, but last-minute beachgoers are being urged to keep an eye out for a new threat: fireworms.
Researchers found a few of the pesky creatures on the US coast a few days ago, and are warning residents and tourists alike to stay away from them – or risk their painful wrath.
2
2
Researchers at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies found fireworms on Mustang Island and Padre Island, both located near Corpus Christi, Texas.
HRI’s Director of Community Engagement Jace Tunnell, called the worms “your worst nightmare.”
During the latest episode of Beachcombing, Tunnell gave a first-hand look into the fireworms and issued a warning to beachgoers.
Beachcombing is a weekly series that focuses on “strange, fascinating objects and species on the beach,” offering viewers a glimpse into the Gulf of Mexico.
“I’m excited about today. I have something here that I don’t see that often…the last one I saw was probably three or four years ago,” he starts, in a video posted on Facebook.
He then lifted the worm, which had been busy feeding on gooseneck barnacles, off of a log using a pair of tweezers, inching it closer to the camera’s view.
Also referred to as bristleworms or bearded worms, there are 28 species of fireworms worldwide, with some species inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Fireworms are typically between five to 10 centimeters long, though some can grow up to 35 centimeters in length.
“The reason it’s called a fireworm is because when it stings you, it feels like fire,” Tunnell said, picking up another worm with the flat surface of a knife.
Tunnell also explained that “there’s not a lot out there” when it comes to information about the fireworm, though one particular species, the bearded fireworm, is especially dangerous.
“There is a professor over in Malaysia that actually has a brochure that warns people not to touch them,” Tunnell added.
Fireworms have between 60 to 150 “segments” in their body, each with two “legs” for swimming or burrowing.
Each segment also has clusters of stinging white bristles, and red or orange-hued gills.
These bristles contain venom, which can cause a “massive pain” when touched.
Fireworms – Fast Facts
Fireworms, also known as Amphinomidae, are a type of polychaete, or bristly marine worm.
Fireworms have hair-like bristles called setae.
These bristles are hollow and filled with venom.
The bristles can break off when a worm is picked up or touched, and the area of contact produces a burning sensation.
In addition to painful, reddening skin, the sting can also cause nausea, dizziness, and confusion.
At first glance, a fireworm can appear to resemble other creatures, like a caterpillar or a centipede.
Fireworms come in a variety of colors, including greenish hues, to yellow, red, and orange.
Some fireworms can also appear grayish or even black, with distinct markings on their back.
Fireworms have a long life, with an average lifespan of two and a half years.
Some fireworms, however, can live up to nine years.
There are 28 known species of fireworms located around the world.
They typically resemble a caterpillar more than a traditional worm and may include distinct markings, like fiery red, orange, or even green stripes across their backs.
Tunnell says that while fireworms aren’t deadly, once someone comes into contact with its bristles, they’ll likely experience “massive pain” for up to three or four hours.
“As far as I know, they can’t kill you, which is the good news I guess,” he added.
Tunnell did mention that the pain can be “debilitating,” and can even cause dizziness or confusion.
He recalled one instance where someone touched a fireworm, and was left with “red marks on their skin” nearly a month after the incident.
Tunnell says fireworms can be especially detrimental for those with sensitive skin and can cause pain, itching, and what feels like a burning sensation hours after a “sting.”
What makes fireworms especially unique, however, isn’t just their fiery sting.
Fireworms can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
At one point in his video, Tunnell points to a fireworm and says that he “could cut this thing in half, and it could regrow.”
Not only would the fireworm regrow, but it would also live for quite some time.
“These things can live [for] up to nine years,” he says, adding that an average lifespan is closer to “two or two and a half years,” which is still “a pretty long time for a worm.”
Tunnell also said that while a close encounter with a fireworm will be “painful no matter what,” there are a few ways to help alleviate symptoms.
He cites pouring vinegar and warm water on the affected area as a way to lessen the burning sensation.
Tunnell also urges individuals to turn to an unlikely solution as soon as they’re stung: tape.
When a fireworm “stings” someone, their bristles can get lodged into skin.
Using a piece of sturdy duct tape can help remove the bristles – simply by applying it to the affected area, and ripping it off.
The bristles will usually stick to the tape, and lessen the burning sensation.
However, no matter how individuals try to treat their fireworm stings, Tunnell adds, they will “be painful no matter what.”
“Now you really have to be careful with these things,” he said, adding that staying away from fireworms is key to avoiding injury.
“You definitely do not want to touch one of these,” he added, urging curious beachgoers to observe fireworms from a safe distance.
Viewers were notably shocked at the discovery, and shared their thoughts on the pesky worms in the video’s comments.
“Those critters are gnarly looking and I hope I never run into one,” one viewer wrote.
“I’m hoping I never encounter one,” a second viewer shared.
“I can attest to the pain, do not pick them up with bare skin. You’ll hate yourself,” a third viewer – and fireworm survivor – revealed.
