Also known as megadriles, earthworms belong to the class of Oligochaeta in the Annelida phylum. Some of the common terms that people use to refer to earthworms are angleworms, night crawlers, rainworms and dew-worms. The species have multilayered clitellum and are usually have lengths of 8 to 12 feet. In present times, scientists have discovered approximately 6,000 species of megadriles. Earthworms have unique behavior, actions and characteristics. One of the distinct behaviors is that the species commonly come out in the rain. To know the truth behind this unique behavior of megadriles, it is important to have a look at some theories related to their survival instincts.

Theories

Why do earthworms come out in the rain? There are several reasons why megadriles come out in the rain such as for survival. These worms do not come out during daytime because the sunlight has harmful effects on their skin. The skin of megadriles gets dried up when the worms have been exposed to direct sunlight. To prevent exposure from sunlight, earthworms dig holes and stay underground. Some scientists agree that rainwater can lessen the supply of oxygen underground so earthworms come out in the rain to survive.

Another reason why the species come out in the rain is that megadriles take advantage of moist surface or soil to travel to other locations faster and easier. Because of humid and moist conditions after rain, earthworms will not become dehydrated even if they stay above ground for a long time.

Some scientists believe that megadriles come out in the rain because there are less predators present. There is a big chance that they can establish colonies in other areas at this time. Another theory explaining this distinct behavior of earthworms is that rainwater can cause the soil to become more acidic, which is fatal for the species.

Other Relevant Information About Megadriles

Even if megadriles have distinct behaviors and activities, the species are beneficial to farmers because the worms can improve the fertility of soil by transforming organic matter to humus. In addition, the burrowing actions of earthworms are also important to enhance soil nutrients. According to some studies done by some scientists and experts in the United States, earthworm casts are rich in potash, phosphates and nitrogen. Another benefit from this unique and interesting behavior of megadriles is that the burrowing action is opens passages as well as channels that are important to provide the water and air needed to enhance soil nutrients.

Nightcrawlers are commonly known as earthworms as well as megadriles. These creatures, which belong to the phylum Annelida and class Oligochaeta, are popular for their distinct burrowing action. The species tend to live underground because exposure to direct sunlight is harmful and fatal to earthworms. To know why do nightcrawlers come out in the rain, it is necessary that we take a look at the different theories that are conceptualized by some scientists to explain this unique behavior of earthworms.

Theories Related to the Burrowing Action of Earthworms

Why do nightcrawlers come out in the rain? Scientists have developed various theories concerning this unique behavior of earthworms. One of the most popular theories related to the burrowing action of nightcrawlers is that rainwater can affect the supply of oxygen underground so earthworms come out to survive. Some scientists believe that when soil absorbs rainwater, a shortage in oxygen happens. To get enough supply of oxygen, nightcrawlers come out in the rain.

Another interesting theory that can explain this distinct behavior of nightcrawlers is that these creatures go out of soil right after rain so they can transfer to other place easily because the ground or soil at this time is wet. Earthworms take this opportunity to build new colonies in other locations, which is most of the time important to their survival. In addition, this is the best time to transfer to other places since most predators stay inside their shelters after rain.

Aside from these theories, some experts also agree that the rainwater causes the soil to become acidic. When the soil becomes acidic, staying or living underground can be fatal to these creatures. For this reason, nightcrawlers come out in the rain to prevent from suffering the harmful effects of acidic soil.

Important Information About Earthworms

The burrowing action of nightcrawlers is beneficial to humans. This distinct behavior of creatures is important to enhance soil fertility. Some studies in America found that when earthworms stay underground, these creatures excrete casts that improve the nutrients in soil. Some of the important nutrients present in nightcrawler casts are nitrogen, phosphates as well as potash.

Above all, when nightcrawlers come out in the rain, the creatures open channels or passages that allow other nutrients and minerals to be enter and be absorbed in soil. With all these information, it is safe to conclude that the burrowing behavior of earthworms is very important to enhance the soil nutrients that are essential to the successful cultivation of plants.

There are a lot of facts about worms that people are not aware of. Most just think of them as these slithering and disgusting creatures. But there is more to them than meets the eye.

Why the Worm is Slimy

The reason is that their bodies are lathered with mucus. This dissipates and turns into oxygen. It goes into their bodies, allowing them to breathe. In other words the creatures inhale and exhale through the skin. That’s why they need to be wet. It’s the only way they can breathe. If the mucus is removed, the earthworm will die.

Characteristics

Other important facts about worms that should be realized is that the term doesn’t just refer to one type. There are earthworms, roundworms and flatworms. Caterpillars and maggots are also sometimes included. In general usage, any creature that has a cylindrical body and is legless is classified as a worm. Other characteristics include body segments and bristles.

Other Facts and Figures

Their sizes vary greatly. The longest in the US is the Nightcrawler. It can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters. Those in Canada can reach lengths of up to 120 cm. Some of the longest ones are in Australia. Some adult species can go beyond 300 cm. Based on current studies there are over 2,500 variants in the world today.

Other interesting facts about worms are their varying sizes. In an acre of land, there can be half a million or a million of them. Most of them live in moss, damp areas and beneath the ground. Some of them are of the parasitic type.

On the average, a typical worm can live for 13 years. But some have been known to survive for 50 years or more. Some types have as many as five hearts. Contrary to popular belief, cutting them in half doesn’t mean they will divide in two. The rear end will not survive. The one with the head will, because it will generate a new tail.

Movement

The bristles act as their legs. These body parts allow them to move around various surfaces. Another interesting fact about worms is that they are able to sense light. They are able to do this with the help of receptor cells. These are very sensitive to light and also detect vibrations in the ground. All of them can move in forward or backward directions. However the tendency is go forward.

Reproduction

The common belief is that they are asexual. More accurately however, they are hermaphrodites. Even though they possess male and female genitalia, a partner is still required for reproduction to take place.

Benefits

They may be repulsive, but these creatures perform a vital function. They can be used to remove dirt and scraps. They also help in fusing vital components in the soil. This helps plants grow. In some cultures, they are seen as delicacies and are eaten by people.

These are just some of the facts about worms. As with other organisms in nature, it goes to show that every creature has a purpose.