The Benefits of Red Wiggler Composting Worms However, under optimal conditions, some worms have been known to live up to five years. The lifespan of a red wiggler worm is about one to two years. It takes about three weeks for the cocoons to hatch and for the worm babies, or larvae, to develop into adults. Each worm will then produce a cocoon, which can contain anywhere from two to 20 baby worms. During the mating process, two worms will exchange sperm. However, they still need to mate with another worm in order to produce offspring. Red wigglers are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. Red wigglers have no eyes, but they do have light-sensitive cells that help them avoid predators and find food. It also has tiny bristles, called setae, which help the worm move and anchor itself to surfaces.

The worm has a small mouth located at the front of its head. Both sexes possess this gland, but only the female worm will use it to produce cocoons.Ī red wiggler worm can grow up to four inches in length but is usually only about two and a half inches. The clitellum, or saddle-like reproductive gland, is located about two-thirds of the way down the worm's body. The worm is red or reddish-brown in color and has a smooth, cylindrical shape. Rather, it thrives within the soils of leaves litter, manure, and decomposing vegetation. As one of the Epigeic class of compost worms, the red wiggler usually does not appear in soils. Red wigglers are commonly known as Eisenia fetida, a composting worm. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about keeping these little guys happy and healthy! Introduction to the Red Wiggler: Anatomy, Reproduction and Life Cycle Looking to start a worm composting bin? Red wigglers, or Eisenia fetida, are the most common type of worm used for composting and can be found by searching online. This guide will also explain the importance of raising and keeping red wigglers for compost.

Red wiggler: information on breeding, lifecycle, and reproduction. This guide aims at giving you a deeper look at the Guide to Red Wiggler Composting Worms: Everything You Need to Know

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