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