Bark worm

The bark worm is a litter-dwelling earthworm. It is short, bright red and has faint yellow colouring near the tip of its tail. The bark worm produces around 40–100 cocoons (egg cases) per year. This is a lot compared to some other earthworms. Bark worms live close to the soil surface so their young have a reduced chance of survival due to predation, temperature changes or drought.

Scientific name: Dendrodrilus rubidus Status: introduced Soil niche: epigeic Length: 20–100 mm

Image: Ross Gray