EARTHWORMS

The earthworm are cylindrical segmented worms of the class Oligochaeta and the kingdom of a earthworm is Animal.

They are found all over the world except in arid and arctic regions of the world with 2,200 earthworm species.

Ranging in length from 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the 11 feet (330-cm) worms of the tropics.

Some earthworms are lacking in color, many are reddish brown to purple, and one species from the philippines is bright blue.

Earthworms while burrowing in the ground swallow soil from which the organic material is extracted and ground up in the gizzard and then depositing the residue as wormcastings outside the burrow.

The name night crawlers comes from the fact that they only surface on cloudy days and at night unless they are flooded out by heavy rainfalls.

They will retreat into their burrows and remain dormant in cold and dry weather.

The segments of the earthworm are separated by internal partitions.

There are four pairs of bristles on each segment that the worm grasps itself to the walls of the burrow, moves forward by rhythmic muscular contractions.

Earthworms are sensitive to light, touch, vibration, and chemicals.

Earthworms contain both sex features, they cross-fertilize.

During copulation two worms exchange sperm cells and fertilization occurs after the worm's own eggs and the received sperm are encased in a tough sheath.

The young hatch as miniature adults.

The common American and European earthworm are up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, with about 150 segments.

Earthworms are also used as live bait and are eaten by the Maoris(people of New Zealand), consider certain species delicacies.

The earthworm's greatest service is aerating and mixing the soil.

Earthworm castings brought to the surface from 7 to 18 tons of soil per acre annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q. How do earthworms compost?
A. Swallow the soil with organic matter which it separates and grinds up in the gizzard and excretes as castings.

2. Q. Are earthworms nocturnal?
A. They are sensitive to light which is why they will surface at night or cloudy days only.

3. Q. How much do earthworms weigh?
A. Each worm is going to weigh differently depending on the size.

4. Q. What are the enviromental uses of earthworms?
A. They provide compost to help feed the soil with their castings and are used as fish bait.

If you would like to have your own compost builders and soil aerators click on Earthworms

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