Earthworm
Scientific Name: Lumbricus terrestris (representative)
Order & Family: Haplotaxida / Lumbricidae
Size: 1 cm to over 30 cm depending on species.
Natural Habitat
Moist soil rich in organic matter, gardens, and compost piles worldwide.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivore; they consume soil and organic debris like fallen leaves and decaying roots.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal burrowers that emerge to feed or mate at night; they use peristaltic contractions to move through soil.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial for ecosystems; they aerate the soil and increase nutrient availability for plants through decomposition.
Identified on: 7/1/2026