Dung worm

The dung worm is a reddish brown colour with a purple sheen. It is iridescent in bright light and has a red saddle. It is active when disturbed. The dung worm lives in the upper 5 cm of soil but is also found in cow pats or in horse manure. Dung worms are very common in New Zealand.

Scientific name: Lumbricus rubellus Status: introduced Soil niche: epigeic Length: 25–150 mm

Image: Ross Gray