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Southern worm

A southern worm (Aporrectodea trapezoides).

The southern worm is dark greyish brown in colour. It lives in the top 20–30 cm of soil. It ingests (swallows) soil as it burrows, eating the organic matter. The soil passes through the earthworm’s digestive system. The digestion process can change soil nutrients into a form more accessible to plants. 

Scientific name: Aporrectodea trapezoides
Status: introduced
Soil niche: endogeic
Length: 40–90 mm

Image: Ross Gray

Glossary

Rights: Ross Gray
Published: 4 August 2018Size: 216.55 KB
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