The burrowing animal that wriggles on the soil and above the sidewalks is a creature millions of years old.
Earthworms live and reproduce in most parts of the earth.
Earthworms have important benefits in gardens, orchards, and soil.
Earthworms often emerge with rainfall, where we see them wriggling on the soil and above the sidewalks.
Earthworms live underground and prefer soil rich in organic matter and moisture. Let’s learn together from teketrek about the wonders of this creature.
The scientific name for the earthworm: Lumbricina
Important information about the earthworm:
The earthworm is called the nightcrawler.
It belongs to the animal kingdom, from the annelid phylum, genus Lumbricidae, and it is invertebrate.
The length of the earthworm is about 36 cm, while its weight is about 12 grams.
In addition, the shape of the earthworm resembles a tube within a tube.
Its body appears segmented like many small rings merged with each other, reaching about 150 pieces.
The small rings are filled with fluid, and each has a special set of circular and longitudinal muscles responsible for its movement.
It also helps it to crawl, and its location is directly under the skin.
At the front of the body, the earthworm has a swelling called the saddle, and all the rings of the worm’s body are covered except for the first ring, with rough hair or bristles called setae. This helps the worm to stabilize its position while digging the soil.
The average lifespan of an earthworm is about 6 years.
Earthworms appear at night because the weather is more humid.
In addition, earthworms lack eyes, so they use receptors in their skin to sense light and touch.
The body of the earthworm is devoid of pigments, due to its constant presence inside the soil away from the sun, and therefore its body color is white, gray, or pink.
It is one of the organisms that can renew itself.
Habitat of the earthworm:
Earthworms are spread all over the world, except for the Antarctic continent and the heights of the Arctic.
In addition, some of them live under the sea surface, while most live on land, especially in places with moist soil and dead plant materials.
Besides, earthworms are abundant in rainforest areas; as well as in environments where mud, clay, and fresh water are plentiful.
Earthworms live in different parts of the soil, where most prefer to live under the surface of the soil by one meter.
While some species live several meters below the surface
Stages of Reproduction in Earthworms:
Earthworms are known for their rapid reproduction. They are described as hermaphroditic organisms, meaning that each worm possesses both male and female reproductive organs.
However, eggs are produced only through the mating of two worms. Each worm supplies the other with sperm during mating.
After mating, the worm begins to lay eggs in a structure called the clitellum, which extends along the body and over the head, resembling a saddle.
Several weeks later, the eggs begin to hatch, and the tiny worms emerge. Earthworm growth is completed within a year, but they can reproduce within 90 days.
It is said that a single earthworm can lay two egg capsules per week, each containing one to three worms.
What Do Earthworms Eat?
Earthworms are considered detritivores, consuming up to one-third of their body weight in soil that they burrow. This soil contains decomposed organic matter.
Earthworms feed by pulling plant leaves into the soil and ingesting them.
They particularly enjoy cabbage leaves, and when food is scarce, earthworms swallow large amounts of soil to extract organic materials. They then expel this soil back onto the surface.
Fascinating and Odd Facts About Earthworms:
– Earthworms are said to be 1,000 times stronger than humans.
– If an earthworm is cut in half, only one half will survive. This is because each segment contains vital organs.
– Earthworms can survive extreme temperatures, both cold and hot, by burrowing deep into the soil.
– They consume up to one-third of their body weight daily.
– Earthworms lack eyes, ears, noses, and limbs.
– There are over 4,000 species of earthworms worldwide.
Types of earthworm
1. African Giant Earthworm (Verme gigante africano):
– This is the longest earthworm, capable of growing up to approximately 7 meters.
2. Anisic Earthworm (Verme anisico):
– Among the most widespread earthworm species, it is characterized by a dark color at the head end, ranging from red to brown.
– It constructs permanent vertical or slanting burrows within organic-rich, moist soil.
– The depth of its burrows can vary from 15 to 45 centimeters.
3. Internal Earthworm (Lombrichi interni):
– It lives and feed in the soil.
– They create horizontal burrows in the upper layer of soil or beneath rocks and tree trunks to aid in movement and food acquisition.
– They surface only during rainfall.
– Their length can reach up to 18 centimeters, and they have a lifespan of 5 years.
4. Epibag Earthworm (Verme epibag):
– Epibag earthworms live on the soil surface, often among leaf litter and compost.
– Unlike other earthworms, they do not construct burrows.
– They are characterized by a light red or reddish-brown color and have a rapid consumption rate of organic matter.
5. Surface Earthworms (Vermi di superficie):
– Also known as compost worms, they play a crucial role in soil enrichment.
– These earthworms prefer to live among decomposing organic matter on the soil surface.
6. Deep-Burrowing Earthworms (Vermi che scavano in profondità):
– These earthworms create vertical burrows that extend to a depth of approximately 2 meters below the soil surface.
In conclusion, despite their slimy appearance and sometimes unpleasant characteristics, earthworms deserve our appreciation. Their fascinating world has captivated researchers and scientists, even though they might not be our favorite
The most frequently asked questions about earthworms
- What is the benefit of earthworm?
Earthworms improve the properties of the soil through several means, including: 1- When worms swallow the soil, they swallow small grains and excrete them when they emerge on the surface of the earth, forming a layer of fine grains. 2- Worms feed on plants. When they enter their burrows, they bring with them some plants that, when they decompose, fertilize the soil.
- What happens when you touch an earthworm?
Millipedes do not bite, but they may secrete an irritating toxin that causes burning and itching of the skin, and when accidentally rubbed into the eyes, can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the conjunctiva or cornea.
- What would happen if the number of earthworms in the soil increased?
It is already known that the presence of earthworms increases crop yields in the long term, by digging and feeding the soil, creating good soil structure and releasing nitrogen that is locked away in the soil organic matter.
- Are earthworms good or bad?
Earthworms are beneficial, they help improve the quality of the soil.
- What is special about earthworms?
Earthworms have mucus and little hairs covering their skin that allows them to move through different types of soil
What Is the Function of Earthworms?
– Earthworms can replace some high-cost fertilizers by improving soil properties. They convert waste into organic material that nourishes plants. Additionally, earthworms help aerate the soil, allowing oxygen to reach plant roots, promoting healthy growth. They also contribute nitrogen to crops.
How Do Earthworms Breathe?
– Earthworms lack respiratory organs or lungs. Instead, they exchange gases through their skin. To facilitate this, their skin must remain moist, aided by mucous secretions.
How Many Hearts Does an Earthworm Have?
– Earthworms have five pseudohearts that encircle the esophagus. These hearts are called pseudo because they do not pump blood. Instead, they press on vessels to distribute fluid throughout the body.
What Is the Movement of Earthworms Called?
– The movement of earthworms is called peristalsis. It involves a combination of circular and longitudinal contractions. Circular muscles help shorten the body, while longitudinal muscles lengthen it.Earthworms move forward by pushing themselves through the soil. Their movement helps propel food through the digestive tract and serves various vital functions.
In the end, it must be said that the earthworm is a creature deserving of our appreciation. While it is true that it is a slimy creature that wriggles a lot, and true that its characteristics may seem unpleasant to us, and its appearance may evoke feelings of dread, as we have seen, the world of the kingdom of worms is astonishing and has always been of interest to researchers and scientists.
