Lumbricus
Encyclopedia
Lumbricus contains some of the most commonly seen earthworm
s in Europe. The genus has nearly 700 valid species.
Characteristics of some commonly encountered species are:
Earthworm
Earthworm is the common name for the largest members of Oligochaeta in the phylum Annelida. In classical systems they were placed in the order Opisthopora, on the basis of the male pores opening posterior to the female pores, even though the internal male segments are anterior to the female...
s in Europe. The genus has nearly 700 valid species.
Characteristics of some commonly encountered species are:
- Lumbricus rubellusLumbricus rubellusLumbricus rubellus is a species of earthworm that is related to Lumbricus terrestris. It is usually reddish brown or reddish violet, iridescent dorsally, and pale yellow ventrally...
is usually reddish brown or reddish violet, iridescent dorsally, and pale yellow ventrally. They are usually about 25–105 mm in length, and have around 95-120 segments.
- Lumbricus castaneus varies from chesnut to violet brown; brown or yellow ventrally, and have orange clitellum. They are usually about 30–70 mm, and have around 82–100 segments.
- Lumbricus terrestrisLumbricus terrestrisLumbricus terrestris is a large reddish worm native to Europe, but now also widely distributed elsewhere around the world due to human introductions...
has several common names, including Common Earthworm, also "nightcrawler" and "dew worm". They are strongly pigmented, brown-red dorsally, and yellowish ventrally. Setae is widely paired both ends of the body. It is the largest species in the genus, about 90–300 mm long, and have around 110–160 segments.
- Lumbricus festivus are not found in large numbers. They are red-brown, lighter ventrally, iridescent dorsally. Their bodies' lengths vary from 48–108 mm, and they have about 100–143 segments.
- Lumbricus badensisLumbricus badensisLumbricus badensis or giant earthworm is a member of the earthworm family. The species is endemic to the Black Forest region of south-western Germany....
, the Giant Earthworm, also belongs to this genus. Its range is restricted to the Black ForestBlack ForestThe Black Forest is a wooded mountain range in Baden-Württemberg, southwestern Germany. It is bordered by the Rhine valley to the west and south. The highest peak is the Feldberg with an elevation of 1,493 metres ....
area of south-western Germany.