Earthworms, like all segmented worms, can be found all over the world. They live in trees, in bark, and under rocks as well as along rivers and near springs, and ponds. Their favorite place to live, however, is in the earth’s rich soil. During the winter months, they burrow deep within the earth until the surface warms again during the spring. During the warm summer months, worms stay closer to the tops of soil where they create tunnels to wiggle in and out of. These tunnels are extremely important for plant life as they create a path for water and air, which is essential for the survival of plant life.

Places like China, Australia, Greenland, and the Sahara Desert have their own indigenous species of worms. Besides the Sahara Desert, you won’t find large numbers of worms living in “sandy” areas, especially sandy beaches. The vast majority of worms on our planet can only survive under certain environmental conditions.

Worms have no lungs, so they breathe through their skin. This means that the worm’s environment and skin must be moist at all times. This allows the worm to breathe in oxygen. If the worm’s skin dries out, the worm will die from suffocation. While worms need moisture to survive, too much moisture can be fatal. If too much water is present, it takes the place of oxygen, which will cause the worms to flee to the surface. Once on the surface, worms will be exposed to sunlight. If worms remain in the sunlight for too long, they can become paralyzed.

In addition to needing a moist environment for survival, worms must also remain close to their food supply. Worms feed off leaves and dead grass, which contain organisms that provide a healthy diet of bacteria, algae, and fungi. Worms feast on dirt as well, especially if they live deeper inside the earth. Worms also eat plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Although you cannot see them, unbelievably, worms do have mouths. The worm’s mouth is actually big enough and powerful enough to grab a leaf and drag it around. They also have a pharynx, esophagus, crop, gizzard, and intestine. When the worm eats its food, it pulls the materials into its mouth with the help of the pharynx and its prostomium (also called acron). This creates a suction motion. This suction motion aids in helping the worm consume large amounts of food in a sort amount of time. The gizzard grinds the food. Worms eat so much that they typically produce excrement equal to their own weight every 24 hours.

The worm’s moist, sustenance rich environment plays an extremely important role in reproduction as well. Worms prefer to mate and reproduce in warm moist soil, preferable, away from the light.

To learn exactly what type of worm is living in your cherry tree you will need to collect specific information on the appearance and behavior of the animal in question. Once you have this information, you can go online to find out the specific type of worm or visit your local library or bookstore to find books on worms. Resources with pictures are especially useful in figuring out what type of worm you are dealing with and learning the exact steps you need to follow to take care of the problem.

There are several common worms and worm-like insects that live in cherry trees including the tent worm, the cherry slug and canker worms.

Tent Worms
Tent worms are known for the white tents they create that look a bit like spider webs although they are thick and difficult to see through. In reality, these worms are caterpillars and they multiply like rabbits. Active in spring, tent worms nest in many different fruit trees. They create an eyesore but they seldom cause problems to the trees they live on or people in the area. The easiest way to get rid of these worms is to remove the branches they are living on. Other options include removing the worms by hand and using a stick or other object to take off the tent like structure.

The Cherry Slug
The cherry slug is also known as the pear slug and it very much looks like a leech. These slugs are actually insects that are well known for the potential damage they may do to many common fruit bearing trees. They have slender bodies and thick, round heads. Dark green, orange and slimy in appearance, the cherry slug begin feeding on trees in mid to late summer and again in the fall. The most damage is generally done by the second generation that comes to life in the fall. Insecticides are effective in treating and removing cherry slugs from a tree. Depending on when it is applied and the severity of the problem, more than one application may be needed.

Cankerworms
There are both spring and fall cankerworms that feed on a variety of deciduous tress and shrubs. Cankerworms (also known as inchworms, measuring worms, loopers or spanworms) are present from early spring until fall. The larvae of these worms may be confused for a leech-like worm before they become more recognizable as adults. Adult cankerworms have prologs and look more like caterpillars than leeches. The easiest way to remove cankerworms from a cherry tree is to use an insecticide spray or an horticultural oil spray.

Outside of hornets and bees, multiple bites from fire ants can cause a serious reaction as well. The individual may have a pimple-like sore resulting from the bite, which will become increasingly itchy and extremely painful. In these cases as well as in cases involving a severe internal allergic reaction, you must seek medical attention immediately.

An itchy or sore bump resulting from a mosquito bite, for instance, is no cause for concern. However, there are some things you can do to alleviate any itching or swelling to the affected area. If there is any redness or pain at the site of the mosquito bite, clean the area with soap and water. You can even use peroxide if or alcohol if it will put your mind at ease. After the area is clean, simply apply ice. It is important to avoid scratching the affected area at all costs in order to avoid infection. Instead or scratching, use an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl to alleviate itching. Benadryl is available in cream, spray or pill form. Calamine lotion, commonly used for chicken pox, is also an excellent medication for itching.

Most insect bites typically clear up in a few days with proper treatment. To prevent insect/animal bites in the future there are several things you can do to protect yourself. You can use insect repellants directly on exposed skin as well as on clothing, shoes, and other gear. Permethrin-containing insect repellants are highly recommended for use on clothing and gear, and repellants such as OFF, which contains N, N-diethylmetatoluamide or DEET, is highly recommended for skin. It can also be applied to clothing for a stronger effect. It is important to note that once applied to clothing, shoes or gear, Permethrin-containing insect repellants remain on items even after repeated laundering.

You can also protect yourself against bites by wearing the right types of clothing when you are in medium to highly infested areas. You can wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts (tucked in) as well as hats and socks to protect the skin.

As stated earlier, chances are you are not one of the very few people that experience severe allergic reactions to insect bites. However, if you are one of the unlucky few and you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, a sensation of the throat closing, faintness or weakness or a bite or wound that appears infected (excessive amounts of pus, blood, pain, swelling), please seek medical attention immediately.

TIP: If you have a history of severe reactions to insect bites or stings an anaphylaxis kit could save your life. The kit contains an epinephrine injector, tourniquet, and an antihistamine. The injector is used to administer the shot yourself or someone else can, if necessary. The kit should only be used according to your doctor’s instructions.

All About Leeches

Yes, leeches are definitely as bad as the name sounds. These slimy creatures attach themselves to a host (humans are preferred) and they suck blood from the body. This makes leeches sanguivorous – they feed as blood sucking parasites that can ingest more than several times their own body weight in blood in one single “meal.” While a leech would love nothing more than to feed off human blood, they also feed on fish, frogs, turtles, and birds. They even feed off other leeches.

According to the Australian Museum, leeches are classified according to the different ways they feed. Some leeches have powerful jaws, while others are jawless. Some simply feed, while others swallow prey whole.

Jawed leeches or Gnatbobdellida have jaws armed with teeth with which they bite the host. The blood is prevented from clotting by production of a non-enzymatic secretion called hirudin. The land leech commonly encountered by bushwalkers is included in this group.

Jawless leeches or Rhyncobdellida insert a needle-like protrusion called a proboscis into the body of the host and secrete an enzyme, hemetin which dissolves clots once they have formed. Leeches which live on body fluids of worms and small freshwater snails possess such an apparatus.

The worm leeches or Pharyngobdellida have no jaws or teeth and swallow the prey whole. Its food consists of small invertebrates. –The Australian Museum, http://australianmuseum.net.au/

Whether jawed or jawless, leeches may be freshwater, terrestrial, or marine. Land leeches may be found in wet rain forests in low foliage or dry forests on the ground in seepage moistened areas. This does not mean that you won’t find them in puddles of water in rain forests. Although land leeches cannot swim, they can survive for a period of time under water. Some species burrow in the soil until it rains. While in the soil, the body is dry. After only a light rain, sprinkles even, the leech will emerge “fully active.” Freshwater leeches prefer slowly flowing or still streams. However, it is not uncommon to find them in fast flowing streams.

While leeches are not known to transmit disease, they can cause irritation and other allergic reactions in hosts, as well as an infection or blood poisoning. In addition, a leech bite can bleed for hours if not treated. First, you must remove the leech by pushing the leech off the skin from the skinny end. Push the leech sideways to prevent the leech from discharging the contents of its gut into the bite. This can cause an infection and possible blood poisoning. Again, this is the best technique for removing leeches. Techniques such as ripping the leech off without thinking, heating it or pouring salt over it can be dangerous.

To repel leech bites, rub soap lather on exposed areas of the skin and let it dry. You may also apply eucalyptus oil, tropical strength insect repellent, or lemon juice to the skin and even the clothing. Leech socks are also extremely effective in protecting the skin from leeches. Leech socks are tightly woven, light-colored “socks” that fit over outer garments.

After you have safely removed the leech, you should wash the wound with soap and water and apply a cold pack if pain or swelling is present. Keep the wound clean until it heals. If you follow these steps, and you have no leech allergies and are in good health, you should have no problems healing. If you experience swelling around the lips and eyes, red blotches on the skin, an itchy rash, infection, or ulcer, go to the hospital immediately!

According to the Australian Museum, leeches are classified according to the different ways they feed. Some leeches have powerful jaws, while others are jawless. Some simply feed, while others swallow prey whole.
Jawed leeches or Gnatbobdellida have jaws armed with teeth with which they bite the host. The blood is prevented from clotting by production of a non-enzymatic secretion called hirudin. The land leech commonly encountered by bushwalkers is included in this group.

Jawless leeches or Rhyncobdellida insert a needle-like protrusion called a proboscis into the body of the host and secrete an enzyme, hemetin which dissolves clots once they have formed. Leeches which live on body fluids of worms and small freshwater snails possess such an apparatus.

The worm leeches or Pharyngobdellida have no jaws or teeth and swallow the prey whole. Its food consists of small invertebrates. –The Australian Museum, http://australianmuseum.net.au/
Whether jawed or jawless, leeches may be freshwater, terrestrial, or marine. Land leeches may be found in wet rain forests in low foliage or dry forests on the ground in seepage moistened areas. This does not mean that you won’t find them in puddles of water in rain forests. Although land leeches cannot swim, they can survive for a period of time under water. Some species burrow in the soil until it rains. While in the soil, the body is dry. After only a light rain, sprinkles even, the leech will emerge “fully active.” Freshwater leeches prefer slowly flowing or still streams. However, it is not uncommon to find them in fast flowing streams.

While leeches are not known to transmit disease, they can cause irritation and other allergic reactions in hosts as well as an infection or blood poisoning. In addition, a leech bite can bleed for hours if not treated. First, you must remove the leech by pushing the leech off the skin from the skinny end. Push the leech sideways to prevent the leech from discharging the contents of its gut into the bite. This can cause an infection and possible blood poisoning. Again, this is the best technique for removing leeches. Techniques such as ripping the leech off without thinking, heating it or pouring salt over it can be dangerous.

To repel leech bites, rub soap lather on exposed areas of the skin and let it dry. You may also apply eucalyptus oil, tropical strength insect repellent, or lemon juice to the skin and even the clothing. Leech socks are also extremely effective in protecting the skin from leeches. Leech socks are tightly woven, light-colored “socks” that fit over outer garments.

After you have safely removed the leech, you should wash the wound with soap and water and apply a cold pack if pain or swelling is present. Keep the wound clean until it heals. If you follow these steps, and you have no leech allergies and are in good health, you should have no problems healing. If you experience swelling around the lips and eyes, red blotches on the skin, an itchy rash, infection, or ulcer, go to the hospital immediately.

Marine worms are grouped in many different categories or “phyla” ranging from annelids to sipunculids (Sipuncula). Some marine worms live underneath boulders and rocks in the sea while others burrow underneath rocks and boulders in mud or sand. Marine worms include but are not limited to: peanut worms, ribbon worms, flatworms, ringed or segmented worms, tube-making worms, and burrow-dwelling worms. Continue reading to learn more about several marine worm species and where to find them.

About Peanut Worms

There are an estimated 300 to 500 species of peanut worms in existence today. A peanut worm, phylum Sipuncula, is shaped like a cylinder or peanut, but it still has worm-like movements and habits. Much like earthworms, peanut worms prefer to live in moist, dark places. Many peanut worms burrow themselves under rocks and boulders that can be found in the mud or sand or they make their home in reef.

The peanut worm has a fat, round section that grows into a long, retractable head extension with a mouth at the end (proboscis). The section has the ability to turn inside out. The peanut worms body is tan or brownish in color with black rings on the proboscis and black blotches on the body.

Unlike other types of worms like apple tree worms, which actually eat apples, and pecan tree worms, that actually eat holes in pecans, peanut worms do not eat peanuts. They eat organic matter found in their favorite places to be – the sand and mud.

Ribbon Worm

The ribbon worm, also called proboscis worm, bootlace worm, nemertean, or nemertine, is any member of the phylum Nemertea. Nemertea is also called Nemertinea or Rhynchocoela. There are more than 900 Nemertea species, including free-living forms as well as parasites of sea squirts, crustaceans, and mollusks. Most Nemertea are found in marine habitats, but some may live on land (terrestrial) or in freshwater.

There are 13 known terrestrial ribbon worm species recorded worldwide. Four exist in Australia (Argonemertes: australiensis; dendyi; hillii; stocki) and they are from the Argonemertes genus. Land-dwelling nemerteans need dark, damp, and cool habitats to live. They can be found under rotting logs, in leaf litter or under large rocks or stones. They are typically found in lands where the climate is calm and damp

Ribbon worms have muscular eversible (able to be turned inside out) proboscis (tubular feeding and sucking organ), housed in a fluid-filled enclosure above the belly or gut. This area is used to trap prey and it is used for burrowing. Land-dwelling ribbon worms may use it for fast movement. At a minimum of 8 inches long, the ribbon worms body is long and lean with finlike appendages. Some giant ribbon worm species or ‘Lineus longissimus’ may reach up to 100 feet long.

Ribbon worms reproduce annually. Fertilization occurs externally, and the eggs and sperm are released separately. Ribbon worms develop by either the direct method or ciliated larval stage. The direct method does not include a larval stage and the ciliated larval stage is either a free-swimming larva called the pilidum or the Desor’s larva, which is similar to an adult. The larvae transform into ribbon worms in several days to several weeks after swimming among plankton.

Ribbon worms have several unique abilities and traits. Some may have separate male and female organs (dioecious) while others may have both male and female organs (hermaphroditic). Ribbon worms can regenerate chopped or damaged parts of their body. In fact, ribbon worms may break up into pieces on their own and the pieces will grow into new worms.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com, “in general, the ribbon worms are regarded as a distinct phylum at the highest point of acoelomate (without a body cavity) development; however, some evidence suggests that one proboscis cavity, or rhynchocoel, may be a true coelom. The important features used to classify the ribbon worms include the position of the brain relative to the mouth, the presence or absence of a stylet (or stylets) on the proboscis, and the position of the lateral nerves relative to the muscle layers.

For pictures or video of the giant ribbon worm or an average size ribbon worm in action, visit: http://www.seawater.no/fauna/slimormer/kjempe.htm or http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokerchampdaniel/3136421527/.

The earthworm is the largest and most varied group of segmented worms in the world. Just think, there are more than 2,700 different types or earthworm living in every corner of the earth today. Earthworms can be found in just about every corner of the earth. They live in trees, in bark, and under rocks as well as along rivers and near springs, and ponds. Their favorite place to live, however, is in the earth’s rich soil. During the winter months they burrow deep within the earth until the surface warms again during the spring. During the warm summer months, worms stay closer to the tops of soil where they create tunnels to wiggle in and out of. These tunnels are extremely important for plant life as they create a path for water and air, which is essential for the survival of plant life.

Places like China, Australia, Greenland, and the Sahara Desert have their own indigenous species of worms. Besides the Sahara Desert, you won’t find large numbers of worms living in “sandy” areas, especially sandy beaches. The vast majority of worms on our planet can only survive under certain environmental conditions.

Worms have no lungs, so they breathe through their skin. This means that the worm’s environment and skin must be moist at all times. This allows the worm to breathe in oxygen. If the worm’s skin dries out, the worm will die from suffocation. While worms need moisture to survive, too much moisture can be fatal. If too much water is present, it takes the place of oxygen, which will cause the worms to flee to the surface. Once on the surface, worms will be exposed to sunlight. If worms remain in the sunlight for too long, they can become paralyzed.

In addition to needing a moist environment for survival, worms must also remain close to their food supply. Worms feed off of leaves and dead grass, which contain organisms that provide a healthy diet of bacteria, algae, and fungi. Worms feast on dirt as well, especially if they live deeper inside the earth. Worms also eat plants, fruits and vegetables.

Although you cannot see them, believe it or not, worms do have mouths. The worm’s mouth is actually big enough and powerful enough to grab a leaf and drag it around. They also have a pharynx, esophagus, crop, gizzard and intestine. When the worm eats its food, it pulls the materials into its mouth with the help of the pharynx and its prostomium (also called acron). This creates a suction motion. This suction motion aids in helping the worm consume large amounts of food in a sort amount of time. The gizzard grinds the food. Worms eat so much that they typically produce excrement equal to their own weight every 24 hours.

The worm’s moist, sustenance rich environment plays an extremely important role in reproduction as well. Worms prefer to mate and reproduce in warm moist soil, away from the light.

About Worm Habitats

Worms must live in rich, moist soil. Worms’ bodies are 80% water and they have no lungs. They respire through their skin. This means that humid conditions are crucial to their survival. If they do not live in moist, humid conditions, their skin will dry out and they will suffocate. The worm coats itself with mucus, which allows dissolved oxygen to pass into its bloodstream. This mucus also lubricates the worm’s body making it easy to pass through the soil. They move through the soil by contracting and relaxing their muscles. This motion causes the worm’s body segments to pull closer together. So the worm lengthens its body, then it tightens to move along both the surface and in the soil.

While worms cannot see or hear, they do have senses. These senses are not too fond of light. Because of this and due to the drying effects of the sun, worms are nocturnal creatures. This characteristic also makes living in the soil ideal, especially during the day when the sun shines bright and conditions are not as humid as they are at night. Worms come to the surface of the soil to feed in the evening hours when the world is dark and the humidity is twice as high.

Worms’ appetites and food preferences make living in the soil ideal as well. Worms consume massive amounts of decomposed organic material. This organic material can only be found on the soil. Worms eat the organic material and they spew it out in order to make worm casts. Worm castings can add up to tons each year, which help to keep the soil rich and fertile. According to Plantwatch, these castings or “dung” contain 5 times more nitrogen, 7 times more phosphorus, 11 times more potassium, and 1000 times more beneficial bacterial than the material the earthworm initially ingested. Worms contribute to the environment in many other ways. They treat waste, they combat pollution, and they clear gardens, fields, and woodlands of decomposing vegetation and leaves.

When worms tunnel into the ground to lay low during the drier morning hours, they let air into the soil. This air aids tremendously in the growth process of plant roots. In addition, aerated soil absorbs water much easier. This reduces the risk of soil erosion.

Remember, all worms live in moist environments. In fact, some are even aquatic. The soil and the sea offer perfect conditions for the way worms are built from their ability to respire through their skin to their sensitivity to light to their feeding habits, which rely heavily on organic materials that can be found in abundance in earths most natural environments.

For fun facts about worms, check out our 10 Great Earthworm Facts article by clicking here.

About Earthworms

Earthworms can be found in just about every corner of the earth. They live in trees, in bark, and under rocks as well as along rivers and near springs, and ponds. Their favorite place to live, however, is in the earth’s rich soil. During the winter months they burrow deep within the earth until the surface warms again during the spring. During the warm summer months, worms stay closer to the tops of soil where they create tunnels to wiggle in and out of. These tunnels are extremely important for plant life as they create a path for water and air, which is essential for the survival of plant life.

Places like China, Australia, Greenland, and the Sahara Desert have their own indigenous species of worms. Besides the Sahara Desert, you won’t find large numbers of worms living in “sandy” areas, especially sandy beaches. The vast majority of worms on our planet can only survive under certain environmental conditions.

Worms have no lungs, so they breathe through their skin. This means that the worm’s environment and skin must be moist at all times. This allows the worm to breathe in oxygen. If the worm’s skin dries out, the worm will die from suffocation. While worms need moisture to survive, too much moisture can be fatal. If too much water is present, it takes the place of oxygen, which will cause the worms to flee to the surface. Once on the surface, worms will be exposed to sunlight. If worms remain in the sunlight for too long, they can become paralyzed.

In addition to needing a moist environment for survival, worms must also remain close to their food supply. Worms feed off of leaves and dead grass, which contain organisms that provide a healthy diet of bacteria, algae, and fungi. Worms feast on dirt as well, especially if they live deeper inside the earth. Worms also eat plants, fruits and vegetables.

Although you cannot see them, believe it or not, worms do have mouths. The worm’s mouth is actually big enough and powerful enough to grab a leaf and drag it around. They also have a pharynx, esophagus, crop, gizzard and intestine. When the worm eats its food, it pulls the materials into its mouth with the help of the pharynx and its prostomium (also called acron). This creates a suction motion. This suction motion aids in helping the worm consume large amounts of food in a sort amount of time. The gizzard grinds the food. Worms eat so much that they typically produce excrement equal to their own weight every 24 hours.

The worm’s moist, sustenance rich environment plays an extremely important role in reproduction as well. Worms prefer to mate and reproduce in warm moist soil, away from the light.

Photo Vault

San Francisco-based Photo Vault features pictures of worms from A-Z as well as snakes, lizards, medical leeches, fish, and more. The site allows the user to enlarge images and it also offers basic information about each worm. Users cannot use the images without permission. If you are interested in using Photo Vault images, you must use the email function at the bottom of each enlarged photo to make a request, you can use the automated site called “Photovalet,” or you may contact Photo Vault directly by calling 707-775-2562.

Pic Search

Pic Search features more than 2,000 worm images. Users may search through images by entering the type of worm or search page by page. Pic Search has roughly 20 images per page. Each image offers basic information about the worm and/or a link to a website that offers more detailed information about each subject.

MSN Encarta

If you are working on a school project or you’re just curious about specific types of worms, MSN Encarta is a great place to find worm pictures as well as detailed information about any given worm. Just visit the MSN Encarta website and enter the name of the worm. Results may include an image and definition and/or a full description of the worm. Please scroll down to take a look at a typical MSN Encarta entry.

From the MSN Encarta website: Worm (animal), any soft-bodied animal, usually small and often elongated lacking well-developed limbs. The term does not refer to any particular animal group, but is applied to many unrelated invertebrates or their larvae and to a few vertebrates. The major groups are discussed here.

The familiar earthworm burrows in soil and feeds on dead materials, extracting organic matter from the soil. This moderately complex animal has a complete digestive tract and a circulatory system.

The flatworms are simpler animals that lack an intestine, an anus, and a circulatory system. Some flatworms are free-living and occur in the sea, fresh water, and moist land areas. A familiar example is the freshwater planarian, which crawls about and feeds on small animals. Others, such as the tapeworm and fluke, live inside other animals. The bodies of these parasites tend to be degenerate, or simpler in form than their free-living relatives, in all parts except the reproductive system.

The roundworms are inconspicuous but common. Many roundworms—the pinworm and the hookworm, for example—are parasites of plants and animals; some cause major health problems such as trichinosis and elephantiasis.

Many worms occur only in the sea. The acorn worm has features that suggest a relationship to the chordate lineage. The arrowworm is a peculiar creature that feeds on small animals in the open water and is often abundant. The peanut worm is a distant cousin of the earthworm, and the ribbon worm is related to flatworms. Tube worms belong to various groups and often feed with tentacles.

Some marine worms belong to a category of organisms that scientists call extremophiles because of their ability to withstand extreme conditions once thought to be uninhabitable. The Pompeii worm, for example, lives in scalding water at the mouths of hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. Pompeii worms keep one end of their two-inch bodies in scalding water at 80° C (176° F), while the other end extends to far cooler water, at 20° C (68° F). This represents a 60° C (108° F) one-end-to-the-other temperature gradient, a condition that no other known animal can regularly withstand. Scientists have also discovered worms more than 550 m (1800 ft) beneath the ocean surface living on and in a freezing crystalline network of methane gas and water, called methane hydrate, that has seeped from beneath the ocean floor.

Scientific classification: Earthworms belong to the phylum Annelida. Flatworms make up the phylum Platyhelminthes. Roundworms make up the phylum Nematoda.

Source: MSN Encarta. .

Worm Physical Characteristics

For starters, worms have no lungs. This means, they breathe through their skin, so the worm’s environment and the worm’s skin must be moist at all times. This allows the worm to breathe in oxygen. While the sand may be moist and wet closer the water, the majority of the sand is dry. If the worm’s skin dries out, the worm will die from suffocation. In addition, too much moisture can also be detrimental to worms. If too much water is present, it takes the place of oxygen, which will cause the worm to flee to the surface. Once on the surface, worms will be exposed to sunlight. If the worm remains in the sunlight for too long, it can become paralyzed.

Believe it or not, worms do have mouths. Their mouths are actually big enough ad powerful enough to grab a leaf and drag it around. They also have a pharynx, esophagus, crop, gizzard and intestine. When the worm eats its food, it pulls the materials into its mouth with the help of the pharynx and its prostomium (also called acron). This creates a suction motion. This suction motion aids in helping the worm consume large amounts of food in a sort amount of time. The gizzard grinds the food. Worms eat so much that they typically produce excrement equal to their own weight every 24 hours.

Worm Diet

Worms must remain close to their food supply, which consists of leaves and dead grass. Leaves and dead grass contain organisms that provide a healthy diet of bacteria, algae, and fungi to the worm. Worms feast on dirt as well, especially if they live deeper inside the earth. Worms also eat plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Worm Reproduction

When it comes to reproduction, the worm’s environment plays an extremely important role as well. Worms prefer to mate or reproduce in warm moist soil and away from light, of course.

Worm Defense Mechanisms

Worms protect themselves from the elements by burrowing deep into the earth. This is also a way to protect itself from predators such as birds and larger insects. Worms also protect themselves by grabbing onto the soil with the tiny bristles located on each of their segments. Earthworms may also coil themselves as a defense mechanism. It is important to keep in mind that coiling is also a part of mating.

The Aquatic Worm

The aquatic worm, a close relative of the earthworm, lives in the water instead of in the ground. They can live just about anywhere that has fresh water. This includes streams, lakes, marshes, and ponds. The aquatic worm prefers shallow water, so they are easy to spot. Aquatic worms have a large number of predators including leeches, turtles, ducks, aquatic insects, crayfish, young fish, and tadpoles. When the aquatic worm feels threatened by its predators, it will coil up to protect itself.