[cogitator]

The scientists proved that the worms are capable of eating leaves and plant matter, not that this is common behavior for them in the wild.

The researcher (Gundale) found sites in the forest with the larger earthworm (L. rubellus) that had depleted leaf litter, and also did a 'bucket' experiment showing that they reduced this layer. That's both lab experiment and field observation.

The main reason I posted the links was to see if there were other stories about this particular brand of invasive species. Invasive (non-native) species are a worldwide problem; these earthworms probably can't hold a candle to Asian carp, zebra mussels, kudzu, melaleuca trees, garlic mustard, nutria, and gypsy moths, to name a few off the top of my head. Here's a link to informatoin about more:

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Role in Fighting Invasive Species

Since we're concerned about restricting immigration, why limit ourselves to humans?

[presidio9]

Here, let's try this again:

There were worms here 15m years ago. Most of them got wiped out by the ice age. Conclusion: The natural state of our forests is to have worms. 10m years is not long enough for the salamander to evolve. I can promise you that there have been worms in the forests of NY where I live for at least 30 years and the fauna has not been negatively effected. Raccoons eat em. Skunks eat em. Foxes eat um. Snakes eat 'em. Moles eat 'em. Shrews eat 'em. I suspect bats and owls eat 'em, but who knows.

I agree that zebra mussels are a problem. I do not share your concern when it comes to earthworms.