Earthworm Facts

Did you know?

1. There are over 2000 species of earthworms worldwide. Some well known are: eisenia foetida (my favorite for worm bin composting of course), Lumbricus and nightcrawlers.

2.They do not have eyes but have light sensitive cells. They are also sensitive to touch/vibration.

3. Their bodies consist of a digestive system, a circulatory system (with about 5 hearts), two pair of testes, 2-4 pairs of semenal vessels, ovaries and ovipores. And yes, they have a head and a tail.

4.They are the largest members of the oligochaeta in the phylum Annelida. They are also sometimes called Megadries (big worms).

5. They are hemaphrodites, having both male and female reproductive organs.

6. Some species can survive for days in water.

7. They have setae which are tiny bristles which allow them to attach themselves in a certain spot in the ground. Makes it harder for birds to snatch them up!

8. Most are burrowers, foraging deep into the ground for food. Yet others are top dwellers and are well suited for bin type composting. (HINT: they are red)

9. The burrowing action helps to aerate the soil (add oxygen) and their castings (poop) provide the soil with nutriets along their journey.

11. There is a species of earth worm that grows to over 8 feet long and there are species that are less than 1" long.

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