Earthworm Bookmark

Small but mighty, earthworms are vital to soil health, and thrive anywhere that balances of soil, water & temperature conditions allow. An earthworm can eat up to a third of its body weight in a day, actively aerating soil, breaking down organic matter, and absorbing heavy metals. They move through soil by expanding crevices with force, using waves of muscular contractions to shorten and lengthen the body, anchoring to the surrounding soil by tiny claw-like bristles called setae, and aided by secreting a lubricating mucus. An important part of the food chain, earthworms are included in the diets of birds, snakes, wood turtles and a variety of mammals & invertebrates.