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.

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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.

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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.

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Benefits of Online Dating

Well unlike what a lot of people think, most people who use online dating services are not doing it because they are desperate and cannot get a date otherwise, but rather because of the ease and convenience that online dating provides; especially for persons who work 8 hours per day and do not have much of a social life, online dating services provide a good opportunity to network with potential partners you probably would not meet otherwise.

Even for persons who do go out and socialize a lot there are still benefits to using an online dating service. Not only does an online service give you more options in one place than you would otherwise have, but you also get to connect with and learn a little about prospective partners before you decide whether you want to know more about them or not; in the real world you may sometimes waste hours trying to get to know a person, only to find out that you have no common interests.

Internet dating also makes it easier for you to find someone who is looking for the same thing that you are relationship-wise. Too often in face to face dating relationships fail because one partner is only looking to have a little fun while the other party wants a long-term commitment; online dating eliminates this problem as you can use a service that caters to the kind of relationship you are looking for so you know what you are getting before you commit yourself to a relationship.

Another benefit of online dating is that it makes the first encounter with a prospective partner less stressful. Often first dates are stiff and uncomfortable because both parties are unsure of what to expect but in online dating you are able to talk to prospective dates before you meet them so you feel more at ease when you do meet for the first time; also there are a lot of people who are more at ease typing than speaking so they are able to express themselves better in an online conversation as opposed to a face to face one.
Online dating also allows you to meet people all around the world that you would not otherwise be able to connect with. Each dating service has thousands or even millions of members from various countries so you are not limited to dating people only in your town or even in your country; you just may find your soul mate on the other side of the globe.

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