As we explain in our guide to epigeic, endogeic, and anecic worms, these are also just different kinds of earthworms. Endogeic earthworms 'Endogeic' translates from Greek to mean 'within the earth,' and accordingly, these worms burrow within the top layers of soil and rarely come up to the surface, preferring instead to literally live within the earth. Endogeic earthworms are horizontal “upper soil” burrowers who also rarely come to the surface, except to forage for food. If tropical rains fall the surrounding soil drains the excess water whilst in a compost stacked stand excess water drowns the worms so they want to escape. Earthworms are terrestrial invertebrates with more than 9,000 species grouped into three categories according to their behavior in the natural environment: anecic, endogeic, and epigeic. They make horizontal burrows through the soil to move around and to feed and they will reuse these burrows to a certain extent. Some common examples are Red Worms, European Nightcrawlers, Blue Worms, African Nightcrawlers, and Alabama Jumpers. Anecic earthworms dig deep into the soil profile during the day, and surface at night to feed and deposit their casts (droppings) on the surface. Endogeic earthworms – live in the soil and burrow horizontally; Anecic earthworms – live in the soil and burrow vertically; There are about 6,000 species of earthworm. These are NOT the worms making worm castings piles in your yard. The concept of possibly half burying a worm tube has far greater appeal as the worms can come and go and help maintain an even temperature for the worms. At this time, there are over 4,400 species of earthworms that have been identified by taxonomists. Endogeic Earthworms . While some scientists have divided these into three primary groups (epigeic, i.e. Do not attempt to raise any other worm species not suitable for a shallow system such as the Worm Factory , Urban Worm Bag , or a homemade plastic container . Endogeic earthworms (c) Natural History Museum, London. Leave it to those that are skilled and have several years of experience in vermiculture. EARTHWORMS. Endogeic: Endogeic worms live in the first few inches of the topsoil, create horizontal burrows and tend to be of lighter color than epigeic worms. They digest minerals and make tunnels in the upper foot of soil. Anecic species, represented by the common nightcrawler ( Lumbricus terrestris ), construct permanent vertical burrows as deep as 4 to 6 feet in the soil. (CC BY 4.0) Endogeic earthworms. Endogeic worms are adapted for live in soil, so the rich organic matter in a worm bin (and no soil) wouldn’t be favorable. Endogeic earthworms make horizontal tunnels in the top 10cm to 30cm of soil. Endogeic earthworms live in and feed on the soil. Adapted by Earthworm Society of Britain. Endogeic – Live in the top reaches of the soil. Anecic: These worms are the deep burrowing earthworms we typically call nightcrawlers. ... usually by the importing and exporting of plants or sale of worms for fishing bait. They ingest soil, absorbing nutrients from organic material in the soil. They operate at shallower depths in the soil than anecic worms and form less stable burrows. Worms that you find in your backyard are most likely unsuitable for vermicomposting. Endogeic. Only the composting worms like the red wiggler should be raised in a worm farm. They also need some space for their tunnels, and likely prefer somewhat cooler temps. Endogeic worms create horizontal burrows, anecic worms create vertical burrows, and evidently both can help facilitate the drainage function toward which leaching fields are directed. Live in the soil to move around and to feed and they will reuse burrows. 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