Red Wigglers Facts

Warning

• Red wigglers need water or moisture in the soil as well as a shady or darkened spot. If left in the sun or deprived of water, the worms die.

Importance

• Red wigglers feed off the dead plants and animals in the soil, leaving behind nutrients that feed the plants. While they run through the ground, they also aerate the surrounding dirt.

Identification

• Red wigglers have their mouths in the front and a band underneath their heads. They also have bristles along their bodies that help them move through the ground.

Sensitivities

• Red wigglers are sensitive to light and sound vibrations as well as changes in temperature and chemicals.

Eating

• Red wigglers eat by pushing out their pharynx and pulling food into their mouth. The pharynx softens the food and pushes it into the esophagus where it's digested. The food has to be softened because the worms have no teeth.