ACTIVITY UNDERGROUND

1) SETAE

All segments, except the first, have four pairs of retractable bristles that help the earthworm to grip the soil as it moves.

2) SOIL FEEDERS

‘Endogeic’ worms are horizontal burrowers and soil eaters that are usually found in the top 20cm of soil. They are grey, pinkish or green.

3) CLITELLUM

This belt-like structure is part of the reproductive system. The earthworm deposits eggs and sperm here.

4) ‘TAIL’

This ‘tail’ flattens into a spade-like shape to help the the earthworm anchor in its burrow. These species are known as ‘anecic’.

5) HEAD END

Pointed for burrowing. The first segment contains the mouth and a fleshy lobe that helps it ‘grip’ leaves and plant matter.

6) SEGMENTS

Earthworms are annelids so have segmented bodies - the number of segments varies between species.