Identification of Common Worms
Identifying compost worms is sometimes a challenge even for the most experienced . This is not a definitive guide but might help you spot identification clues .
The most common worms used in worm farming are :
• Eisenia Fetida and Eisenia Andrei aka Red Wigglers or RW
• Eisenia Hortensis ( formerly Dendrobaena ) aka European Nightcrawlers or ENC
• Perionyx Excavatus aka Blue Indian Worms or just Blue Worms
• Eudrilus Eugeniae aka African Nightcrawlers or ANC
One frequent question received on the various worm farming groups and forums is about worm identification . The reasons are various :
• The user wants to make sure of the species received from an order .
• Identifying worms caught in the wild for composting purpose . Not all earthworms can live in a compost bin .
• knowing the species helps understand some of the worms ' behaviours .
• you want to sell worms and need to know if you are selling what you are claiming
While dissecting or microscope inspection are the only ways to accurately tell some species apart , knowing few clues can help with non critical identifications . Here are few indicators I gathered with experience and from reading others .
Geographic location Your geolocation is the first clue for worms caught in the wild . Do some research to find out whether or not the worms species you are thinking of does exist or can survive in your country . Each species have its own environmental requirements . But note that a species might have been introduced to your area and thrived if conditions are right .
Visual clues The main topic of this article is the visual clues that will help you identify your compost worms . In Asia all Occidentals look the same , in Europe all Asians look the same ... for the new worm farmer , all worms look the same . The more you will be looking at them as you do the regular worm bin maintenance , the more your brain will record morphological traits and at some points you will start seeing differences .
Movements In some cases , the worm movements can help you spot an intruder in your worm bin . Yesterday ( at the time of writing of this article ),
I was splitting two of my ENC breeding trays and was trying to separate ENC from RW . That ' s when I instantaneously spotted a Perionyx Excavatus ( Blue Indian Worm ) I didn ' t need to look for it , its fast erratic body movements was just standing out compared to the slow wiggly movements of my other compost worms . Then its slim body , flush clitellum and darker head just confirmed that this guy is to be transferred to blue worms Alcatraz . Their fast movements sometimes make them jump off your hand .
Another worm that also has very characteristic movements is the Amynthas Gracillis aka Alabama Jumper , Cod Worm ( Australia ). They are not considered compost worms but are awesome garden soil aerators . They have very strong muscles allowing them to punch through clay materials . On the soil surface their fast movement will remind you one of a snake . Gently wrap your hand around one and your will feel their strength . They would also regularly try to jump out of your hand .
Eisenia Fetida / Andrei ( Red Wigglers ) and Eisenia Hortensis ( European Nightcrawlers ) have slower movements and when disturbed
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