General Introduction to Earthworms, Their Classifications.
Red worms (Eisenia fetida) are excellent compost worms. Often mistaken for earthworms, redworms like in the top 10 inches of the topsoil. These worms are known by many different names such as red worms, compost worms, tiger worms, manure worms, stink worms, dung worms, fecal worms, striped wormss, angleworms and bandlings.
Eisenia hortensis: Common name: European Nightcrawler also commonly called Redworm, it is much bigger than Eisenia Fetida (foetida). It is a quick breeder and a good composter (makes plenty of castings). Much sought after for fishing bait, as it can tolerate near freezing water and is one of the few “earthworms” suitable for salt water fishing.
Eisenia is a genus of earthworms (annelids), named after Swedish scientist Gustav Eisen.
The most commonly submitted records from the OPAL key to iRecord are for Eisenia fetida (60% accuracy from adults), Lumbricus terrestris (50% accuracy from adults) and Octolasion cyaneum (27% accuracy from adults). The table below is taken from the report and indicates the accuracy rates for the species included in the OPAL Earthworm Guide.
Eisenia fetida (older spelling: foetida), known under various common names such as redworm, brandling worm, panfish worm, trout worm, tiger worm, red wiggler worm, etc., is a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. These worms thrive in rotting vegetation, compost, and manure.They are epigean, rarely found in soil.In this trait, they resemble Lumbricus rubellus.
Soil preference of the Red Compost Worms, Eisenia fetida INTRODUCTION Earthworms provide countless benefits to humans, plants and animals, by improving drainage, advancing nutrient accessibility, and providing a steady soil system, helping to develop farm production.
Classification kingdom Animalia phylum Annelida subphylum Vestimentifera class Clitellata subclass Oligochaeta order Opisthopora family Lumbricidae genus Eisenia species Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826) Providers NZAC NZIB Provider Contribution Summary Biostatus.