EARTHWORM

The Latin name for the earthworm is Lumbricus terrestris.

Earthworm is a name given to more than 1,000 species of worms in a class of the annelid phylum. 

The earthworm has a cylindrically shaped, segmented body that tapers off at both ends. Minute bristles called setae project from the body. Although a difference in shading exists between the upper and lower surfaces and between different parts of the body, earthworms in general are uniform in colour, usually pale red, but varying from dull pink to brown. They have a collar-like area about halfway along, which is orange-red in colour. This area is called the clitellum. Many species grow to a length of only a few centimetres.

The role of earthworms in the garden is to help aerate and fertilise garden soils.