Facts About Earthworm

Earthworm is one of the slimiest creatures in this world. Though it looks so icky and repulsive on the outside, it is extremely useful for a human being. Not only do earthworms improve the quality of the soil in which they reside, but are also used as bait by fishermen. Apart from that, earthworms are also a source of food for many other creatures, like birds, rats and toads. They can survive in almost any type of soil, the only condition being that it should be moist, and thus, can be found throughout the world. In case you want to know more about earthworms, make use of the interesting facts and amazing information given below.

Facts about Earthworm

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Annelida

Class: Oligochaeta

Order: Haplotaxida

Suborder: Lumbricina

Families: 18

Number of Hearts: 9

Size: Up to 14 in (35 cm)

Weight: Up to 11.2 g (0.39 oz)

Natural Habitat: Throughout the world

Diet: Herbivorous

Interesting & Amazing Information on Earthworms

Earthworms can survive only in moist soil. However, too much moisture is also not good for them.
Earthworms are hermaphrodites i.e. a single individual has both female and male organs.
An earthworm can replace or replicate lost segments. However, the extent of this ability depends upon the species as well as the amount of damage.
Earthworms usually come out of the dirt after excessive rain storms, since the soil becomes too moist for them to survive.
Earthworms can be found in almost every type of soil. At the same time, their number greatly increases with the improvement in the health of the soil.
An earthworm does not have lungs. Rather, it breathes through its skin.
There are basically four types of earthworms - Nightcrawlers, Garden Worms, Manure Worms and Red Worms.
After digestion, earthworms produce excrement that is about the same size as a pin head.
In times of drought, an earthworm can dig deep into its burrow, which can be as deep as six feet.
Rototilling of the soil can be harmful to earthworms.
Even though earthworms are hermaphrodites, they need to mate with another worm to produce offspring.
Earthworms do not have eyes, but are extremely light sensitive.
An earthworm can consume as much as one third of its body weight in a single day.

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