Here's What You Need To Know About 'Biting Worms'

According to Seacoast Online, the swarming phenomenon that transpires in these funky little worms with feather-like appendages happens when special cells fill the creatures' bodies with sperm and eggs. That process transforms clam worms into epitokes, whose new mission in life is to leave the sea floor and get to the top of the water. Once at the top, their bodies literally rupture in order to release all the eggs and sperm. While the result is the end of the life cycle for those biting worms, it is the beginning for the next batch of clam worms who will bear the torch until it's their turn to explode for the next generation. 

Clam worms are also used for fishing bait, according to  Walla Walla University, who reports they put up a fight by squirming "violently" and sticking out their proboscis and jaws to try and bite. 

Their bites can be painful, per Seashore to Forest Floor. That's likely because their jaws are made partially of zinc, which makes them "strong, stiff and tough," yet still keeping the jaw lightweight, according to the University of California Santa Barbara. 

Maybe during new and full moons in spring, just go to the pool.

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