Explaining where the name earthworms came from is very simple. After the rain, on red walkways, in parks and gardens, they crept, creaking creations of a reddish hue, at the risk of being trampled by passers-by. They are not very pleasant in appearance, and they inspire fear in young children. In addition to horror in children, the question arises: "What do earthworms eat in the soil?"
What are earthworms?
Biological science, these representatives of the animal world are classified as Ringworms. If you look closely, you will notice that their thin bodies (slightly larger than 50 mm in diameter) 15-30 cm long form rings, the number of which sometimes reaches 300. There are tiny two-centimeter earthworms. But few people know about the existence of giant worms reaching two meters in length. Earthworms can be so terrible. What these representatives of the fauna eat is also interesting.
Only when viewed from a very close distance, it is possible to notice that one end of the worm is thicker and darker. This is something like a head.
How do worms move?
Due to the opposite ends of the body, the worm moves. The front end lengthens, clings to the rough surface of the soil. Then comes the turn of the back, which, resting on the ground, is pulled to the head. In this case, the body has to alternately stretch and contract, changing its length. Directly under the skin is a well-developed muscle system, which has a two-layer structure. Changes in length propagate along the body in waves, which is easy to notice.
The respiratory organ of the earthworm is its entire skin. A prerequisite for the respiratory process is the presence of mucus on the surface of the body. Dry skin leads to the death of the animal. A worm can live in an aquatic environment for several weeks. "What do earthworms eat and how do they breed?" - This question is asked by many people.
The lack of hearing and vision is compensated by excellent touch, which helps the worm to find food.
What do earthworms eat?
It is worth raising the earthworm, and then lowering it again to the loose earth, as it immediately disappears somewhere. The front end, which takes the form of a wedge, helps him quickly hide. With this “tool”, he easily scatters soil particles, the body gradually deepens into the ground.
For dense soil, the worm chooses a different tactic - it swallows those particles of soil that prevent immersion. Nutrients are extracted from it through the digestive tract. The anus removes the rest of the useless mass from the body. A thin earthen thread stretches behind the worm. What earthworms eat at home, all fishing enthusiasts know. These creatures can be bred in a metal bucket with earth, into which tea leaves and branches from the street are sometimes poured.
Favorite treat of worms
These animals prefer soil, which contains a large amount of humus. The diet includes a variety of plant debris (for example, leaves fallen from trees and shrubs) including rotting ones. The worm captures them with itself when it deepens into the lower layers of the soil. Many more are interested in what earthworms eat on vermiferm. There they are given humus and prepared food from old foliage and branches.
The obvious fact is that when they “drill” many tiny holes, the worms loosen the soil, making it possible for oxygen to enter it, and enrich it with nutrients. Ultimately, this increases productivity. Experienced owners of summer cottages, taking into account the invaluable benefits of these tiny inhabitants of the soil, treat them with care, try to create conditions for reproduction and increase in numbers in gardens and vegetable gardens.