Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

Worms


Order: Oligochaeta

Size range

  • Long, thin animals; one exceptional species up to 2 metres.

Distribution

  • New Zealand and introduced species

Life History

  • Earthworms of various sorts
  • Feed on decaying vegetation
  • Aerate and mix soil
  • Some species in fresh water
  • Some species restricted to compost heap–type situation