Classifying Worm Species
Worms species come in three general categories Litter dwelling (Epigeic) Soil dwelling (Endogenic) Deep burrowing (Anecic)
Identifying Adult Worms Adult worms have a thickened segment in their mid section that houses their reproductive organs, the clitellum
Litter Dwelling Earthworms Do not build permanent burrows Live in and consume the leaf-litter layers of the forest floor Are typically the kind of worm you would find in a compost heap Relatively small - between 2 cm and 7 cm long
Soil Dwelling Earthworms Build permanent burrows and rarely come to the surface Are unpigmented Only come to the surface if there is very heavy rainfall
Deep Burrowing Earthworms Burrow deep into the ground (up to six feet) Burrows are covered by a pile of feces and leaves called a “midden” Deeply pigmented with a lighter tail Adults can grow up to 15 cm long Typically used as fishing bait
Deep Burrowing Earthworms Burrows
Deep Burrowing Earthworms Midden