Minibeasts to look for in October — Earthworm

 | There are 27 different species of earthworms (Latin name Annelida) in this country. Their skin is permeable (porous or leaky!), so they quickly dry out which is why they need to live in damp places. All the different species live in different types of habitats. An earthworm’s body is basically a thick, muscly cylinder with a digestive tube running through the middle. The body is divided into segments with grooves on their surface marking the divisions between each segment. The mouth is in the first segment and all the rest have eight telescopic bristles which help the earthworm to grip surfaces as it moves. Earthworms are hermaphrodites (both sexes in one animal!). When two earthworms are ready to mate they get together and exchange sperm. Many species can reproduce several times a year.They play an essential part in keeping our soil in good condition by breaking down plant material and adding air to the soil through their tunnelling.