Earthworm

Scientific Name: Lumbricus terrestris (representative species)

Order & Family: Order: Opisthopora; Family: Lumbricidae

Size: 1 inch to 14 inches (2.5 to 35 cm) depending on species

Moist soil rich in organic matter, gardens, and compost piles

Decaying organic matter, including fallen leaves, manure, and soil microorganisms

Nocturnal; they move by contracting and extending muscles and are known for burrowing deep underground

Crucial for ecosystem health by aerating soil and recycling nutrients; generally harmless to humans

Identified on: 1/7/2026