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Good to know
Six things about the earthworm
SoilMaking soil
Worms drag dead leaves underground and eat them. What comes out the other end, the worm cast, is rich food for plants.
TunnelsAir and water
Their burrows let air and rain down into the soil, which helps roots to grow.
MovingSqueeze and stretch
A worm moves by making itself long and thin, then short and fat. Tiny bristles on each ring grip the soil.
SensesNo eyes, no ears
Worms have no eyes or ears, but their skin can sense light and feel the slightest vibration.
BreathingBreathing through skin
A worm breathes through its damp skin, which is why it dies if it dries out in the sun.
SaddleThe saddle
The pale band near the front of an adult worm is called the saddle. It makes the cocoon that the eggs are laid in.
The real thing
Photos of the earthworm
Out and aboutHow to spot one
Look on the lawn on a mild, damp night with a torch covered in red plastic, and you may see them stretched out of their burrows. Or just dig.
Lend a handHow to help
Mulch with compost or leaf mould rather than digging, and avoid lawn chemicals. Leave fallen leaves on borders for them to pull down.
Following youLadybird
Who should follow you?
Bees and hoverflies
Butterflies and moths
Dragonflies and damselflies
Beetles, hoppers and ants
Not insects at all
Snails and spiders aren't insects: a snail is a mollusc, and spiders have eight legs.
Garden birds
Pond animals live on the Pond page: choosing one takes you there.
Pond life
Night garden
Seashore animals live on the Seashore page: choosing one takes you there.
Rock pool life
Woodland animals
Under a log
Meadow life
River animals live on the River page: choosing one takes you there.
River life
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