Stuff of nightmares? Meet the bootlace worm
Its mucus, which can kill crabs and cockroaches, could be the basis of new insecticides
TL;DR
- The bootlace worm (Lineus longissimus) is one of the longest marine invertebrates, with one specimen recorded at 55 meters.
- It is highly elastic and typically measures around 15 meters in length and 5-10mm in width.
- When threatened, the worm discharges a toxic mucus that can paralyze and kill crabs and cockroaches.
- The toxins, known as alpha-nemertides, have little impact on mammals, making them potential candidates for new insecticides.
- Bootlace worms are voracious predators that swallow other worms whole.
- The article highlights the potential for discovering new chemicals and medicines within the invertebrate world.