Eisenia Fetida

Eisenia fetida, is an important composting worm that is also used as a fish bait. They are a species of the friendly earthworms, that wriggle in the soil, increase aeration as well as fertility. They are the smallest among earthworms and measure about 1½" to 2½" in length. They are generally raised by people who use the compost produced as fertilizer like gardeners and farmers. They are also raised using vermiculture by fishermen as they prove to be the ideal bait for trout and pan fish. People who own fish aquariums also use these worms as fish food.

Facts

It is a common earthworm that is found in various habitats around the world. This worm is native to Europe and found on every continent, except Antarctica. It is one of the most widely used worms for vermicomposting.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Class:	Clitellata
Order:	Haplotaxida
Family:	Lumbricidae
Genus:	Eisenia
Species:	E. fetida

Common Name
Eisenia fetida is the binomial name of the worm. It is known by many common names around the world like:

• Red worms
• Brandling worms
• Red wiggler worms
• Tiger worms
• Manure worm
• Stink worm
• Fish worm
• Dung worm
• Fecal worm
• Striped worm
• Angleworms
• Bandlings

These worms thrive in areas with rotting manure, compost, vegetation, etc. As opposed to other worms, this worm is epigeal in nature. This means, they are found above the soil or in the top 10 inches of the top soil in areas where other worms cannot live. These red worms tend to give out a foul, pungent liquid when handled.

Anatomy
The anatomy is similar to the earthworm anatomy. It has a long tube like body that is muscular and slimy on the outside. It has a simple closed circulatory system and two main blood vessels. The digestive system is present within the tube. The anatomy shows the body is formed of segments that are become specialized towards the anterior part. It can be differentiated from other worms due to their alternating red and buff stripes on their segments.

Reproduction
Like all earthworms, it is also a hermaphrodite. This means, a worm possesses both male and female reproductive parts. However, they cannot undergo self-fertilization and need a mate to reproduce. When two worms that have reached sexual maturity come together, they undergo copulation. They align themselves side by side, with their heads pointing the opposite direction. They will secrete a mucous like substance that helps them seal their bodies together. Exchange of sperms take place that is deposited on the skin surface. The sperms then move towards a pore few segments above the clitellum. Then, each individual worm will secrete its own eggs that get fertilized by the sperm of the other worm. The eggs are formed within a little cocoon and these cocoons will be produced as long as the red worm does not run out of sperms from its partner. The incubation period is about 32 to 72 days. Once the worms hatch from the cocoons, they become sexually mature within 8 to 10 weeks. When the red worms receive optimum conditions, food, temperature, etc. they will reproduce two to three cocoons per week for the next 6 months to up to a year.

Buying These Worms
When you think of starting your own vermiculture, buy these worms from reputed sources only. You can buy them from various companies. A starter culture bag is sold at about $20 to $25. Many companies offer home delivery and charge extra for shipping cost. When you buy them for composting, you will find they are very hardy creatures. They require an optimum temperature of about 68° to 77° F (20° to 25° C). They can tolerate temperatures between the range of 40° to 80° F. However, if there is increase in temperature up to 85° F, the red worms undergo stress. They die when the temperatures reach 90° F. Red worms are sold in pounds and not in numbers. When you buy 1 pound of red worms, they will produce 10 pounds of red worms within 4 months. This is provided they are well fed with food that is at least 3 times their body weight once a week.

On an average, Eisenia fetida will live for 3 to 4 years. They produce excellent fine-grained castings. If you bring home these worms for worm composting, you will find they are the easiest of all earthworms to maintain. Hope the above information has helped you learn some interesting facts about red worms.