
Community identification
Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
- Order & Family
- Order: Crassiclitellata, Family: Lumbricidae
- Size
- 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm) in length, though some species can grow larger.
Natural Habitat
Moist, organic-rich soil, gardens, compost heaps, and under rocks or logs.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivore; consumes decaying plant matter, organic leaf litter, micro-organisms, and soil nutrients.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal surface feeders that burrow underground during the day. They aerate soil by creating tunnels and reproduce hermaphroditically.
Risks & Benefits
Extremely beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as soil aerators and nutrient recyclers. Pose no harm or risk to humans.