Bug Identifier
Earthworm
Community identification

Earthworm

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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.