Giant spitting earthworms, Batman!

Wow, here's a charismatic invertebrate that I didn't know existed.

Driloleirus americanus is a 3 foot long earthworm that lives in deep, permanent burrows in the prairies of eastern Washington state. Apparently, it spits at those who approach and smells like a lily. I was skeptical that it even existed but it's listed on government sites!

There's a lot more to the story of earthworms in the states. Invasive species of earthworms are currently creeping through North American soils, driving out local soil inhabitants and changing ecosystems. I'm feeling frustrated that I can't find any federal fact sheets on the topic, but here's a page on the effect that invasive earthworms are having on Minnesotan forests.