Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 5815560
Red Wiggler
Eisenia fetidaAlso known as Manure Worm, Tiger Worm, Redworm, Brandling Worm
Red wigglers excel at breaking down decaying organic material, churning manure, rotting vegetation, and leaf litter into rich compost. When threatened, these surface-dwelling worms exude a pungent yellow fluid with a sharp garlic smell to deter predators. Unlike deep-burrowing nightcrawlers, they thrive exclusively in top layer organic waste and reproduce rapidly in warm, moist environments.
DecomposerEpigeanComposter
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Microorganisms
- Decaying Leaves
- Fungal Spores
Predators
- Songbirds
- Toads
- Ground Beetles
ThreatsExtreme temperatures, desiccation, chemical pesticides
HabitatsCompost heaps, manure piles, rotting leaf litter, rich topsoil
Life span1–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLumbricidae
- SpeciesEisenia fetida
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe and handle gently.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Keep worms moist and out of direct light during close inspection. short study sessions.
- Composting: Maintain damp conditions and aerate organic waste to help colonies thrive.
Ecological Double (c) Sawyer Hess, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sawyer Hess · cc-by
Distant Cousin (c) alicia penney, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by alicia penney · cc-by
Close Relative
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