 |
Photographer:
Alan Henderson
Source:
Museum Victoria
|
|
Earthworms
Class: Oligochaeta
Phylum: Annelida
Order: Haplotaxida
Description:
Range from several millimetres to 3 metres in length. Have a tubular segmented body that is tapered at both ends. No segmented appendages or antennae. Commonly found in soil, leaf litter, under stones and under logs. Majority are scavengers that feed on dead organic matter, particularly nutrients in the soil. Active burrowing species help mix and aerate the soil. Predators include spiders, frogs, fish, birds, reptiles and ants. |
|