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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Photograph by Ross Gray
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