Red Worms a.k.a. Red Wigglers
Eisenia fetida: Fetida is Latin for "to stink". Now, does this mean the redworm smells bad? Lucky for us, these worms are only odoriferous to their predators.
Red worms, or red wigglers, have a substance inside their bodies called colemomic fluid. This self-defense mechanism is foul tasting to birds or other predators attempting to have them for lunch.
When the worm is startled or senses danger, it squirts this yellow fluid from behind, in hopes of discouraging it's attacker. Apparently is works, for the worm seems very vulnerable indeed, with no other means of defense other than crawling
Red worms, or red wigglers, have a substance inside their bodies called colemomic fluid. This self-defense mechanism is foul tasting to birds or other predators attempting to have them for lunch.
When the worm is startled or senses danger, it squirts this yellow fluid from behind, in hopes of discouraging it's attacker. Apparently is works, for the worm seems very vulnerable indeed, with no other means of defense other than crawling
A Worm by Any Other Name....
E. fetida is not only known as the redworm. Other monikers of the worm include red wigglers, top feeders, bandlings, and manure worms.
In the wild, worms live just below the soil's surface, feeding on decomposing organic matter and manures. They are responsible for the top soil of our planet and life on earth would not exist as we know it without them.
In the garden, you don't have to worry about worms eating your plant's roots or foliage in your garden, they only go for the rotten stuff.
Worms are dependent on microorganisms to start the decomposition process and make digestion possible for them. That's why, when you start your vermicomposting project, you should enhance the worm's bedding for microorganisms. VermaPlex® is what we use.
In the wild, worms live just below the soil's surface, feeding on decomposing organic matter and manures. They are responsible for the top soil of our planet and life on earth would not exist as we know it without them.
In the garden, you don't have to worry about worms eating your plant's roots or foliage in your garden, they only go for the rotten stuff.
Worms are dependent on microorganisms to start the decomposition process and make digestion possible for them. That's why, when you start your vermicomposting project, you should enhance the worm's bedding for microorganisms. VermaPlex® is what we use.
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Red Worms and CompostingWhy is the red worm considered the Master Composter? This hardy breed of worm:
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Serious about raising worms for fishing, vermicomposting or reselling? Check out my "Worm Farm Manual" for more worm problems and their solutions. See what's inside.
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