Aporrectodea trapezoides (Dugés) (Lumbricidae)

Southern Worm

• One of a complex of closely related species including A. tuberculata and A. turgida (often referred to collectively as A. caliginosa)
  
• Color variable, from slate gray to pink, flattenable posterior
  
• 80-137 mm x 3-7 mm contracted, 220 x 3-5 mm relaxed
  
• Parthenogenetic reproduction
  
• Dormancy spent rolled in a ball in an oval chamber
  
• Palaearctic origin
  
• Found in heavy or sandy soil
  
• Endogeic habit, and mainly geophagous, but some individuals forage on surface detritus; casting at soil surface
  
• A common earthworm in Central Valley orchards
  
• Tolerates immersion in water: persists in tailwater ponds that are flooded twice per week during summer

Images of Aporrectodea trapezoides