Earthworm
Scientific Name: Lumbricus terrestris
Order & Family: Order Opisthopora, Family Lumbricidae
Size: 10 to 35 centimeters (4 to 14 inches) long.
Natural Habitat
Moist soil, leaf litter, and compost throughout temperate regions.
Diet & Feeding
Decomposing organic matter, including decaying leaves, roots, and soil microbes.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal burrowers that emerge at night to feed and mate. They are hermaphroditic and play a key role in aerating soil.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to ecosystems as they improve soil structure and nutrient cycling. They are harmless to humans.
Identified on: 5/21/2026