What's that Wriggling Thing in my pond?

This weekend, as soon as it had warmed up enough, I ventured out to spend a few minutes by my pond.  And immediately squealed as I spotted a five inch long white thing wriggling near the surface.  Something totally new!

It resembled a blond eyelash (albeit a really long one).  And it took me a few minutes to figure out which end was in charge, since neither end seemed to boast any traditional head organs that I could see.  It didn't seem in a particular hurry, which is good, because it was not an efficient wriggler.  I watched it until it wriggled down and was obscured under the fountain water.

I wanted to make sure it wouldn't harm my fish.  And sure enough, they're safe.  It's a horsehair worm.  The invertebrates attracted to my pond are their hosts.  Like dragonfly nymphs.  Sigh.  The circle of life continues.

Read all about 'em here.