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Permanent vertical burrow. Earthworms are classified into three main ecophysiological categories: (1) leaf litter- or compost-dwelling worms that are nonburrowing, live at the soil-litter interface and eat decomposing organic matter e.g. Eisenia fetida; (2) topsoil- or subsoil-dwelling worms that feed (on soil), burrow and cast within the soil ...
Lumbricus terrestris is a deep-burrowing anecic earthworm, [3] that is, it builds deep vertical burrows and surfaces to feed, as opposed to burrowing through the soil for its food as endogeic species.
The average thickness of the drilosphere (lining of an earthworm burrow) is 2 mm, [4] but it can be much wider (about 8 mm) around the burrows of litter-feeding earthworms. [5] Through the drilosphere, earthworms influence soil microbial communities, with effects on microbial processes related to soil organic matter and nutrient dynamics. [6]
The worms require loose soil to burrow in and soil moist enough for gas exchange. [3] Further requirements include such abiotic factors as pH and temperature. Various abiotic factors are significant to Lumbricus rubellus. pH is of particular importance; a range of 5.5 to 8.7 is acceptable with a preference for neutral soils. [4]
They are also often the numerically dominant earthworm species in England, especially in neutral to base-rich grasslands and arable soils. [9] Because Allolobophora chlorotica is an endogeic worm, it builds complex lateral burrow systems through all layers of the upper mineral soil. This species of worm rarely comes to the surface, instead it ...
Many species are attracted to bioturbator burrows because of their protective capabilities. [7] The shared use of burrows has enabled the evolution of symbiotic relationships between bioturbators and the many species that utilize their burrows. [23] [24] For example, gobies, scale-worms, and crabs live in the burrows made by innkeeper worms. [25]
How nutritious are edible worms and insects? Many are a complete source of protein and high in iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, B-vitamins, amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fiber.
The reproductive period of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm mainly spans from September to December. [5] They breed in the warmer months and produce egg capsules that are 4 centimetres (1.6 in) to 7 centimetres (2.8 in) in length which are laid in their burrows. When these worms hatch in 12 months they are around 20 centimetres (7.9 in) long at birth.