Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)
Earthworms are among the most familiar invertebrate, reaching densities of 40 worms per square meter. They have long, narrow bodies divided into segments, lack limbs, and have a distinct head. Worms are essential for maintaining healthy soil and are important food for many animals, including many species of birds, snakes, mammals, and invertebrates.
Habitats
Earthworms are common and abundant in soil in most habitats and can be found when digging or inspecting compost heaps.
Behaviour
Earthworms move by pushing through soil, made possible by eight short, stiff bristles present on each body segment. They avoid light, as they will die if exposed above ground for too long. When water is scarce they conserve water by curling into a ball below the soil surface.
Breeding
Earthworms have both male and female reproductive organs. They mate by overlapping their front ends and then exchange sperm with the other. Eggs develop inside a pale white-pinkish band around the middle of the worm. This detaches from the worms’ body, which wriggle out of it. The fully formed earthworms emerge a few days later, which take 60-90 days before they can mate themselves.
Feeding
Earthworms eat soil as they pass through it. The waste passes out as ‘casts’ on the soil surface.