Brandling worm - Eisenia fetida - Family: Lumbricidae

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Brandling worm - Eisenia fetida
© Andy Callow

Earthworms are vitally important in maintaining soil fertility. They incorporate organic material from dead leaves and plant litter into the soil and their burrows form important aeration and drainage channels. They are also important for providing food for birds as well as the hedgehog and badger.

The brandling or tiger worm which is prevalent where there is a great deal of organic material is often found in garden compost heaps and the edges of dung heaps.

Earthworm populations and hence soil fertility are under threat from two introduced antipodean flatworms which eat earthworms and have almost eliminated them from some areas in the west.

Food

Feeds on rich decaying matter, especially in compost heaps. Worms can be very abundant in such situations.

Predators

Blackbird, Robin, Slow-worm, Song thrush, Starling