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Story: Earthworms

Earthworms mating

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Earthworms mating

To mate, worms lie with their ventral sides (underneath) together, and their heads pointing in opposite directions. They come into contact, and exchange sperm. This part of their bodies is covered with slime tubes, to protect the sperm. 

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10036288

by Dick Veitch

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How to cite this page

Gregor Yeates, Earthworms – The earthworm body, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/15489/earthworms-mating (accessed 10 June 2026).

Story by Gregor Yeates, published 8 March 2013.