Down in the dirt, in gardens, forests, and fields, earthworms quietly and industriously work their magic. Despite their generally small size, these wriggling critters play a huge role in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. Earthworms (or earthsnakes as I used to call them when I was a small child) burrow in to soil, creating tunnels that improve air and water flow, which boosts soil fertility, helping plants grow stronger and healthier. Essentially, earthworms are nature's aerators.
Epigeic earthworms live near the surface of the soil, and eat debris from plants and other organic material. These worms tend to be small, and they reproduce rapidly. Endogeic earthworms burrow through the soil horizontally. Their favorite kind of dirt is rich in organic matter.
Anecic earthworms make permanent, vertical burrows, digging deep into the soil. These worms ascend to the surface in order to feed on poopies, decomposing leaves, and other nasty stuff (not nasty if you're a worm).
Nightcrawlers, Lumbricus terrestris and Aporrectodea longa are Anecics. They make a huge impact on the decomposition of organic matter, and they make new soil (pretty cool).
Earthworms are really cool (in my opinion), and I think most people overlook them. This post was kinda short, but I am planning on posting more on this blog about earthworms! Stay tuned!!!
Sources:
https://web.archive.org/web/20070713122050/http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/NEWSLTR/v3n1/sa-9.htm
http://www.naturenorth.com/fall/ncrawler/Night_Crawlers_02.html
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