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Green-leaf worm

This vibrant green worm is arguably the most attractive worm found on the rocky shore!

Scientific name

Eulalia clavigera

When to see

April to October

Species information

Category

Statistics

5-15cm in length and up to 2.5cm width

Conservation status

Common

Habitats

About

The green-leaf worm is often seen crawling around under rocks at low tide and in and out of crevices and kelp holdfasts. And, sometimes, in and amongst mussel beds.
They are thought to reproduce in July and August and their egg masses appear like little green balls of fairly liquid attached to seaweed.

How to identify

This unmistakable bright green worm grows up to 15cm long and 2.5cm wide (though usually much thinner). Its body is divided up into 200 small segments. If you can get close enough to examine the head with a magnifying glass or hand lens, then you might notice 2 large red eyes with 2 pairs of short antennae and a single antenna in front of the eyes.

Distribution

Found around all British and Irish coasts

Did you know?

Marine worms act as an important food source for many fish and wading birds and are therefore referred to as keystone species!