
Community identification
Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
- Order & Family
- Order: Opisthopora; Family: Lumbricidae
- Size
- Typically 10 cm to 25 cm (4 in to 10 in) in length, though some species vary.
Natural Habitat
Moist, nutrient-rich soils worldwide, often found in gardens, forests, and agricultural lands.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivore; consumes organic matter including decaying leaves, roots, and soil microbes.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal surface Feeders that dwell in deep burrows; they are hermaphroditic and essential for soil aeration through tunneling.
Risks & Benefits
Extremely beneficial for ecosystems by aerating soil, recycling nutrients, and improving drainage; pose no risk to humans.