It has heavy pigment, absorbing most colors; however, it burrows into the glacier to avoid strong sunlight.

The ice worm's dark pigmentation helps protect it from solar ultraviolet radiation.

[4] Their fluid and flexible bodies are able to squeeze through air holes and tiny crevasses in ice.

Ice worms have an elongated head pore,[2] with sensing organs located on their prostomium and ventral surface.

[8] As well as the northwestern United States, ice worms have been found in glaciers of southern Alaska and certain parts of British Columbia.

This decomposition process, known as autolysis, occurs when the cells produce digestive enzymes and self-destruct.

In glacial ponds or small streams, ice worms can be found in broad daylight.

The freezing water provides the worms with a comfortable temperature, countering any heating of their dark bodies from the sun.

[2] Researchers have observed the worms gyrating their heads in the stream, possibly catching algae and pollen carried by the water.

Ice worms do not graze in groups on the surface, so the contact in still ponds provides the rare opportunity for breeding.

[citation needed] Understanding the ice worm's physiology could suggest means by which to preserve organs for transplantation[4] and could aid in the understanding of potential extraterrestrial life on cold planets, as well as species on Earth which survive in climates colder than previously thought possible.