Derek Sikes News Today

The snake worm mystery began more than 16 years ago in the summer of 2007, when Ester resident Maggie Billington spotted thousands of tiny, wormlike larvae crawling across a road in a long line

A newfound species of fungus gnat is behind Alaskas "snake worm" mystery, in which thousands of fly larvae moved together in the shape of a snake.

"Its a rare day when someone brings me an insect in Alaska that leaves me totally dumbfounded," Alaska wildlife expert Derek Sikes told Newsweek.

Add another species to the list of organisms oozing over Alaska.

Add another species to the list of organisms oozing over Alaska.

Story By Ned Rozell Thousands of snakeworm gnat larvae travelling together cross over a road in Ester, Alaska, in 2007. Photo by Maggie Billington. Add another

Add another species to the list of organisms oozing over Alaska — a tiny gnat whose larvae sometimes crawl over each other in such numbers that together they resemble a snake.

Citizen scientists helped identify the new species, researchers said.

The bee has a very distinctive white butt, scientists say.

University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers have discovered a thriving ecosystem among the decomposing seaweed debris that covers many Alaska beaches, including nearly 100 different types of invertebrates found in surveys at a handful of sites on the Kenai Peninsula.