Red Wigglers

What is slimy, red, and helps you grow your veggies? If you guessed red wiggler worms, you would be correct! Red wiggler worms, also known as red worms, tiger worms, and manure worms, are a small species of earthworm measuring 3 to 4 inches long. Red wigglers are originally from Europe, but have now spread to all continents on the globe except Antarctica. For those of us who vermicompost, red wigglers are well known as these voracious eaters are excellent at breaking down food scraps to recycle the nutrients into a valuable soil amendment.  But let's learn a little more about these hard working critters!

Fun facts:

• Scientific name Eisenia fetida. Fetida meaning ‘foul smelling’ 
• They are native to Europe but naturalized across all continents except Antarctica.
• They have a lifespan of up to 5 years.
• They are one of 7 species of worms that can be used to effectively compost. 
• They do best in a temperature of 55-90 degrees. 
• The earthworm is made of about 100-150 segments​

• Each segment or section has muscles and bristles called setae.
• They are able to  feel vibrations made by the sounds of nearby animals on or within the soil.
• They do not have eyes.
• They do not have ears.
• They have special organs that detect light to avoid sunlight​
• Worms do not have lungs but instead breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin.
• They produce a slimy mucus  that keeps the skin moist and allows air to pass through the skin membrane.
• If they dry out, they suffocate and do not survive.
• The digestive system of red wigglers allows them to eat dead leaves and other decomposing organic matter  in the soil.
• They are able to convert these materials into nutrient-rich soil by passing castings (worm poop!) that plants can use for food.

Red wigglers are such cool creatures! To learn more about how they help with composting visit our previous blog about Vermicomposting is For the Worms!