Secretions distract predators: earthworm

The secretions of some earthworms distract predators using bioluminescence.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from biotic factors >
	Animals

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Underground emergency lighting Pest deterrents Packaging that signals

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Dozens of earthworm species from all over the world can secrete a glowing slime, thought to startle predators. This particular worm, Diplocardia longa, is found in sandy soils in southern Georgia in the U.S. and can stretch to over half a meter in length…It turns out that chloragocytes—the cells in earthworms that produce the bioluminescent ooze are part of a system that sequesters toxins in the earthworm's body, much like a liver." (Hadhazy 2009)

About the inspiring organism

Annelida
Annelida

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Underground emergency lighting. Strategies to deter larger animal pests from digging certain places/destroying property/etc. Packages that signal.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Energy, agriculture

Experts

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John E. Wampler
The University of Georgia

References

Hadhazy A. 2009. Shining Examples: 10 Bioluminescent Creatures that Glow in Surprising Ways [Slide Show].
http://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow.cfm?id=bioluminescent-avatar&photo_id=A2922C17-B1FA-8BD4-2154DFB27BFAE416.

Rudie NG; Mulkerrin MG; Wampler JE. 1981. Earthworm bioluminescence: characterization of high specific activity Diplocardia longa luciferase and the reaction it catalyzes. Biochemistry. 20(2): 344–350.

Secretions distract predators: earthworm

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