Lumbricus terrestris L. (Lumbricidae)
Nightcrawler
- Palaearctic Origin
- 90-300 mm x 6-10 mm
- Dark anterior; pale, flattenable posterior
- Anecic habit
- Detrivorous: Leaf litter taken below
ground, little soil consumed
- No dormancy
- Permanent burrows are up to 2.5 m deep
- Lives 862-887 days or up to 6 years
- Matures in 350 days
- Obligate sexual reproduction
- 38 cocoons per year per worm
- Colonies spread about 3-5 m per year