Earthworms

Probably one of the most easily recognized invertebrates, earthworms are of the phylum Annelida, meaning “ringed” and refers to a series of segments that make up their bodies. Varying from all brown to a pinkish colour and lengths from a few millimeters to 300mm (1ft) in some species but are usually up to 100mm (4in).

There are four very common worm species –

  • Night crawlers, as its name suggests they are more often seen at night when they come to the surface when damp conditions prevail.
  • Field or garden worms
  • Manure worms also known as “Red Wigglers”
  • Red worms, basically another type of manure worm, but smaller than Manure worms.

Eisenia fetida (older spelling: foetida), known under various common names such as redworm, brandling worm, panfish worm, trout worm, tiger worm and red wiggler worm, red californian earth worm, is a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. These worms thrive in rotting vegetation, compost, and manure; they are epigean. They are rarely found in soil, instead preferring conditions that are inimical to some other worms. In this trait they resemble the Lumbricus rubellus.

Eisenia fetida worms are used for vermicomposting. They are native to Europe, but have been introduced (both intentionally and unintentionally) to every other continent except Antarctica, occasionally threatening native species. – Wikipedia

Red Wiggler Earthworms

Red Wiggler Earthworms

Eisenia foetida

Eisenia FoetidaCommon Name: Manure worm, Tiger worm, Red Wiggler, Ver du fumier

Length: 30-60 mm

Habitat: This species is commonly found in very moist manure and organic matter. Examples of such environments include compost heaps, and cowpats. Other locations are forests, gardens, and under stones, leaves, logs, and roadside dumps.

Interesting Facts and Features: This species in usually found in close proximity to human habitation, and has been used for home composting and fish bait.
Lumbricus terrestris is a common species found over most of the world, belonging to the family Lumbricidae which has about 220 species. They burrow through the soil ingesting decaying vegetative matter as they go, excreting a mixture of soil particles and undigested organic matter sometimes seen as “casts” at the burrow entrances. They perform a vital role in agriculture by aerating the soil and moving nutrients to the surface. Where conditions allow they live for up to six years and can attain densities of 150,000 per cubic meter (1.3 Cu yd) of vegetative matter. L. terrestris was apparently introduced into North America by early European settlers. – Wikipedia

Lumbricus terrestris

Lumbricus TerrestrisCommon Name: Nightcrawler, Dew-worm, Ver nocturne rampant

Length: 90-300 mm

Habitat: This species is almost purely terrestrial. It is commonly found in gardens, lawns, pastureland, and under logs. It is also found in forests, riverbanks, streams, mud flats, woody peat, under cowpats, and in compost.

Interesting Facts and Features: This is the earthworm typically used in laboratory studies in high schools and universities. It is very long lived (up to 10 years) and it forms deep vertical burrows.
Night Crawler Lumbricus terrestris

Night Crawler Lumbricus terrestris