Fauna
Invertebrate

African Nightcrawler

Eudrilus eugeniae

Also known as West African Nightcrawler, African Composting Worm

African nightcrawlers are large, tropical earthworms easily recognized by their deep reddish-purple sheen and lively, energetic movement. They thrive in warm, moisture-rich organic matter, rapidly consuming decaying plant material to produce nutrient-dense vermicompost. High reproductive rates and fast growth make them key decomposers in tropical soils and vermiculture operations worldwide.

Soil InvertebrateDecomposerTropical
African Nightcrawler reference
MarvinBikolano / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDecomposing Plant Matter, Soil Bacteria, Fungi
Predators
  • Birds
  • Toads
  • Predatory Beetles
ThreatsFreezing temperatures, extreme drying, and heavy chemical pesticides
HabitatsTropical soils, moist compost piles, leaf litter, and rich agricultural beds
Life span1–3 years
Classification
  1. FamilyEudrilidae
  2. SpeciesEudrilus eugeniae
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe and handle at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Compost Environment: Maintain bedding moisture and keep ambient temperatures around 25–30°C.
  • Gentle Handling: Hold with moist hands for brief periods to prevent skin drying.
Related species
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