Clickworm

The clickworm has replaced its ancestor. The main evolutionary pressure was predation from the mantiskipper. As a result, they have evolved three new ways to escape their adversary. Firstly, they have become almost nocturnal as this is the safest time to feed. So during the day-time when they are at risk they have evolved an optional form of camouflage. The clickworm now secretes a sticky substance from its body and at dawn, they take bits of plant matter and stick it all over themselves with only their eyes showing. Then they settle down in the same sort of material as they are wearing and ‘sleep’ out the day. Although their bodies switch off for this period, their eyes are still sending impulses to the brain. If movement is detected, then an impulse is sent straight to the brain and the worm wakes up.

The second way it has evolved is its feet. As well as still being used to track down its food, they now secrete an even stickier substance that, when attacked, is produced and makes it difficult for the predator to prise the worm from its surface. But this is only applied if all else fails. The most effective and radical method of escape is what gives this worm its name. When walking around, it holds its mouth tight to its underside. If attacked whilst on the move, its mouth will quickly push away from the underside and hit the surface the worm is walking on. The speed at which this happens propels the worm backwards through the air. It also causes a ‘click’ noise as the mouth hits the surface. Once landed again, the worm will still run to make sure the predator is far away.

All other behaviour of the clickworm remains the same as its ancestor including the 'kissing'.