Fauna
Invertebrate

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Also known as Nightcrawler, Dew Worm, Lob Worm, Rainworm

Nightcrawlers construct permanent vertical burrows extending over a meter into the ground, pulling leaf litter down to feed on decaying plant matter and soil microbes. Their extensive tunneling aerates soil, improves water infiltration, and recycles vital nutrients across terrestrial ecosystems. During damp nights, individuals emerge onto the surface to feed and mate, retreating underground before dawn.

SubterraneanNocturnalDecomposer
Common Earthworm reference1 / 6
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDecaying Leaves, Soil Microbes, Organic Matter
Predators
  • Robins
  • Moles
  • Toads
ThreatsChemical pesticides, severe soil compaction, and intensive tillage
HabitatsMoist soils, gardens, agricultural land, and temperate forests
Life span4–8 years
Classification
  1. OrderCrassiclitellata
  2. FamilyLumbricidae
  3. GenusLumbricus
  4. SpeciesLumbricus terrestris
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 at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Gentle Handling: Pick up carefully with moist hands to prevent drying out their permeable skin.
  • Nighttime Spotting: Search lawns after rain at night using a red-filtered light to avoid startling them.
  • Habitat Protection: Avoid heavy stepping on wet soil to preserve fragile surface burrows.
Related species
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Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain

The Forest Floor

Common Earthworm is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

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