Hobbies And Interests
Types
Earthworm is the common name for the phylum Annelida. There are more than 1,000 species, varying in size, texture and habitats. Some of the more common earthworms are nightcrawlers, red worms, field worms and manure worms. All earthworms have both female and male reproductive organs, but they must be with a mate to reproduce. The two worms come to the surface and stick their bodies together to mate.
Size
Earthworms vary greatly in size. Manure worms, which live where their name suggests, are only a few inches long and have fairly skinny bodies. Nightcrawlers are thicker and can grow to almost 10 inches. One of the longest worms is the Palouse earthworm, which is much thicker and can grow to more than 3 feet in length.
Identification
An earthworm's body is visibly split into three sections. Many earthworms also have two visible blood vessels that pump blood through five miniature hearts to keep the worm alive. Earthworms have ridged skin to help them move across surfaces and small mouths to feed on plants and leaves. They are mostly dark brown with some lighter patches.
Geography
Different species of earthworms are located all over the world. Nightcrawlers are commonly found in the northern United States and most of Canada. The Palouse earthworm is found only in Idaho. Australia is home to the giant Gippsland earthworm, which can grow nearly as long as the Palouse earthworm. The Asian hammerhead worm looks exactly like it sounds and is found throughout Asia and in some areas of the United States.
Function
While worms live to breed and survive, humans have many uses for them. Red worms are commonly bred and sold for natural garden use. The worms dig through the soil and make it ideal for planting flowers and vegetables. Several other earthworms, especially nightcrawlers, are used as fishing bait. The worms apply easily to a hook and their wiggling body and scent attract all types of fish.