giant gippsland earthworm (megascolides australis)
A member of the genus Megascolides, the giant Gippsland earthworm is a native of Australia, one of 1,000 species of earthworm. These giant earthworms average 1 meter long and 2 centimetres (0.79 in) in diameter and can reach 3 meters in length; however as their body is able to expand and contract making them appear much larger. On average they weigh about 200 grams. They have a dark purple head and a blue-grey body, and about 300 to 400 body segments.
These giant worms do not have skeletons, but like all annelids, have segmented body sections allowing them to manipulate and contort their bodies to slither and burrow underground. This species of earthworm average a length of one meter and a diameter of two centimeters. However, they can stretch their bodies, causing them to appear much longer than they are. In addition, the giant Gippsland earthworm can also grow to three meters in length.