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Story: Earthworms

Lumbricus rubellus

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Lumbricus rubellus

Lumbricus rubellus is an introduced worm, reddish-brown or crimson on the upper surface and yellowish on the underside. It grows 3–10 centimetres long, and has 95–105 segments. It feeds on decomposed organic matter on the surface, and prefers loose, moist soil high in organic matter, beneath dung pats or in compost heaps. The egg capsules are resistant to drought, and hatch when there is enough moisture in the soil.

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How to cite this page

Gregor Yeates, Earthworms – Earthworms in New Zealand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/15499/lumbricus-rubellus (accessed 20 June 2026).

Story by Gregor Yeates, published 1 March 2009.