Earthworm (Tiger)
Kingdom: Animalia
Class: Clitellata
Order: Haplotaxida
Family: Lumbricidae
Genus: Eisenia
Species: E. fetida
Binomial name: Eisenia fetida
Common name: redworms, brandling worms, tiger worms and red wiggler worms
Eisenia fetida are a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. They thrive in rotting vegetation, compost, and manure; they are epigeal (do not burrow into the earth). They are rarely found in soil, instead like Lumbricus rubellus they prefer conditions where other worms cannot survive. They are used for vermicomposting owing to their remarkable ability to process organic matter into fertile compost. They are native to Europe, but have been introduced (both intentionally and unintentionally) to every other continent except Antarctica, occasionally threatening native species.
Like other earthworms, Eisenia fetida are hermaphroditic. However, two worms are still required for reproduction. The two worms join clitellums (contains reproductive organs and only visible when ready to reproduce, large orangish band) and exchange sperms. Both worms then, rather than laying eggs directly, secrete cocoons that contain several eggs. These cocoons are lemon-shaped and begin as pale yellow when first laid, and become more brownish as four to six worms mature. These cocoons are clearly visible to the naked eye
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