Handed Worms
by hughpierre
Basic Information
Anatomy
Handed worms have elongated, segmented bodies coated in a thin layer of mucous to prevent desiccation. Their most distinctive feature is the prehensile, hand-like tail - a fan of five flexible tails capable of curling and anchoring into mud or roots. Their blunt, circular mouth is lined with concentric rings of keratinized scraping ridges for burrowing and sifting. Though small, they possess powerful circular muscles that let them tunnel surprisingly fast.
Biological Traits
When alarmed, they stiffen their tail-hand into a spread position and emit a tremor through the mud to warn nearby worms. Their mucous acts as both a lubricant and a mild antiseptic, protecting them from fungal-rich environments.
Ecology and Habitats
Wet Soil
These creatures thrive in saturated soils; usually around the phantom banks, marsh edges and coral grounds. They prefer places where water seeps rather than flows, forming soft mud rich in organic matter where they can blend seamlessly.Their hand-like tails allow them to wedge into muddy footings to brace themselves. In drier seasons, they retreat deeper underground, entering a slow metabolic state until the floods return.
Dietary Needs and Habits
These worms are omnivorous detritivores. They consume decomposing plant fibers, plankton-like things in the muck; and occasionally each other. Their tails are able to sift through the mud and rake particles toward their heads, or brace them while they chew through compacted soil. Smaller specimens have been known to congregate around decaying logs, dead fish or other nutrient-dense matter.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
While blind, these worms possess an extremely sensitive vibration sense. Their tails allow them to 'feel' the shape and texture of surrounding mud; and detect footsteps, rainfall, shifting soil or approaching predators through minute changes in pressure. Their bodies can also read chemical signatures in the soil - salinity, acidity and organic scent trails - leading them toward richer feeding grounds.
Average Length
Less than 1ft
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Ash-Gray to Clay-Brown
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
Entry for WorldEmber 2025
Answering: "Species"
In response to the prompt Describe type of creature considered unnatural in your world and explain why.
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