Compost Happens  
                                         

Main Navigation

Composting worms

Red Wigglers
Red Wigglers
known under various common names such as redworm, brandling worm, tiger worm and red wiggler worm, red californian earth worm, is a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. These worms thrive in rotting vegetation, compost, and manure; they are epigeal. They are rarely found in soil, instead preferring conditions that are inimical to some other worms. In this trait they resemble the Lumbricus rubellus.

Eisenia fetida worms are used for vermicomposting. They are native to Europe, but have been introduced (both intentionally and unintentionally) to every other continent except Antarctica, occasionally threatening native species.
European Nightcrawlers (Eisenia Hortensis)
European Nightcrawlers (Eisenia Hortensis)
European Nightcrawlers are Great Composting Worm! Similar to Red Wigglers…But Larger! They are Easy to Raise! Produce lots of castings. Reptiles, Birds and Fish Love them. Great bait worms because they are very active on the hook. They stay alive in the water for a long time. Generally about 3” to 4” long. 300-350 Crawlers Per pound.
African Nightcrawlers
African Nightcrawlers

Eudrilus eugeniae is a species of earthworm native to tropical west Africa and now widespread in warm regions, both wild and under vermicultureand also called as the african night crawler

growth:

• Fecundity, growth, maturation and biomass production were all significantly greater at 25°C than 15°, 20°or 30°. {25ºC = 77ºF} • The growth of individual earthworms increased the lower the population density, but the greatest overall earthworm biomass production occurs at the highest population density. • The greatest number of coccons per week and the number of hatchlings per cocoon are obtained at 25°C. Cocoons of E. eugeniae hatched in only 12 days at 25°C, the earthworms at these temperatures reached sexual maturity in as little as 35 days after hatching.

life cycle:

• Throughout its life cycle, E. eugeniae grew much more rapidly than E. fetida, in similar environmental conditions. The West-African nightcrawler grows well at a temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C). Maximum weight (11 worms per ounce) occurs within 8-10 weeks. Optimal cocoon production is obtained when there are 150 adults per cubic foot. • The nightcrawler (EE) has a uniform purple-grey sheen and the posterior segments are evenly tapered to a point. The segments of the brandling worm (EF) alternate reddish-orange and brown; the posterior segments do not taper, and the final segment is blunt.
Indian Blue Worms
Perionyx excavatus is not a "nuisance worm" as some have suggested, but it is a more temperatmental species than our delightfully tolerant E. fetidas. The problem is not with the worms, but with our understanding of worm system management in varying environments. Indian Blues Seem to work Well in Dog Poo Composters.