Types of compost worm.

Earthworms are scientifically classified as animals belonging to the order Oligochaeta, class Chaetopoda, phylum Annelida. In this phylum there are about 1,800 species of earthworms grouped into five families and distributed all over the world. The most common worms in North America, Europe, and Western Asia belong to the family Lumbricidae, which has about 220 species. Earthworms range from a few millimeters long to over 3 feet, but most common species are a few inches in length. Only a few types are of interest to the commercial earthworm grower, and of these only two are raised on a large-scale commercial basis.

1. Eisenia Fetida ( Red worm ) - Types of Earth worm used for composting :- Common names for the Eisenia fetida are: Redworm, Red Wiggler, Tiger Worm, Manure Worm, Stink Worm, Fish Worm, Dung Worm, Fecal Worm, Striped Worm, as well as many other names. In Texas they use the term angleworms & bandlings for Eisenia fetida red worms, but angleworm is also a common name for the larger earthworm species such as the Canadian Nightcrawler in northern regions. That is why using the scientific names for worms is less confusing! Eisenia fetida are recognized by their alternating red and buff stripes, thus the common name "Tiger Worm". The Eisenia fetida is an Epigeic worm. Epigeic worms live on the surface of the soil or in the top 10 inches or so of the topsoil under the litter layer.

2. Dendrobaena Veneta ( European Night crawler ) or Eudrilus Eugeniae ( African Night crawler ) - This earthworm is common to the northern states and may be picked from fields and lawns at night for commercial fish-bait sale. Although very popular with fishermen, they are not commonly raised on a commercial basis because they reproduce slowly and require special production and control procedures.



3. Perionyx Excavatus ( Indian Blue worm ) - A noticeable characteristic of this species is the iridescent purple along its body. It's a fast mover and very vigorous! Common names are Blue Worm, Indian Blue, Malaysian Blue, Spike Tail. P. excavatus cannot tolerate cold temps for even brief periods of time and does not tolerate environmental fluctuation or handling. It is most frequently used in tropical regions where it is naturalized and is found naturally only in areas along the gulf coast of the US.

Manure worms and red worms can adapt to living in many different environments. They will eat almost any organic matter at some stage of decomposition, as well as many other types of materials which contain organic substances that can be ingested. These worms may be found in manure piles or in soils containing large quantities of organic matter, but the new grower should purchase breeding stock from a reputable grower or distributor.

Source :- www.allthingsorganic.com , www.wikipedia.com