Bug Identifier
Earthworm (cluster)
Community identification

Earthworm (cluster)

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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.