A new threat stalks tourists in Italy: the "Fireworm" attacks the beaches

Tourists visiting Italy are on alert because of a new threat on beaches in the southern part of the country. The "fire worm", a marine animal known scientifically as Hermodice carunculata, which can reach up to 30 centimeters in length, has started to spread in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic Sea, all because of climate change. The "Fire Worm" has been reported in scientific literature since the first half of the 19th century, with the first mention in 1832. Until recently it was confined to the southern coasts of Italy, but is now found in northern areas, including the Tuscan Archipelago and along the coast of Puglia on the Adriatic Sea. This worm is most commonly found near rocks and reefs, according to a study by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. About 84.5% of the specimens were spotted near rocky substrates, while the presence on sandy sediments or seagrass meadows was less common, reports corriere.it. Hermodice carunculata is covered with white hairs that can ...