Story: Earthworms

Earthworms mating

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. 

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10036288
Photograph by Dick Veitch

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Gregor Yeates, 'Earthworms - The earthworm body', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/15489/earthworms-mating (accessed 30 April 2024)

Story by Gregor Yeates, published 24 Nov 2008