Earthworm
Scientific Name: Lumbricus terrestris (representative)
Order & Family: Order Opisthopora; Family Lumbricidae
Size: Typically 1 to 14 inches (2.5 to 35 cm) depending on species and age.
Natural Habitat
Moist soils rich in organic matter, gardens, farmlands, and forests worldwide.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivore that consumes soil and organic matter such as decaying leaves and roots.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal surface feeders that tunnel deep into the earth; they are hermaphroditic and reproduce through cocoons.
Risks & Benefits
Extremely beneficial for ecosystem health; they aerate soil, improve drainage, and convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
Identified on: 5/24/2026