Earthworm (cluster)
Scientific Name: Lumbricina (suborder)
Order & Family: Order Opisthopora; families often include Lumbricidae
Size: Individual worms typically range from 1 to 14 inches (2.5 to 35 cm) depending on the species.
Natural Habitat
Moist soils rich in organic matter, compost piles, and beneath leaf litter or logs.
Diet & Feeding
Detritivores: they consume organic matter in soil, including decaying leaves, roots, and microorganisms.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and subterranean; they emerge or cluster during periods of heavy rain to avoid drowning or to migrate. They are hermaphroditic and play a key role in soil aeration.
Risks & Benefits
Extremely beneficial for ecosystems by decomposing waste and improving soil structure. They pose no risk to humans, though some species are considered invasive in certain forest environments.
Identified on: 4/15/2026