18
A WORM’S
WORK
Earthworms do lots of hidden
jobs, especially in the spring and
the autumn. This is when most soils
are warm and moist. The three main
earthworm types are surface worms,
topsoil worms, and deep burrowers.
Wildlife food
Earthworms are
an important food for
wildlife such as birds
and foxes. Foxes catch
up to 10 juicy worms
a minute.
Leaf decomposers
Red surface worms usually grow to the
size of a matchstick. These worms feed
on dead leaves near the soil surface.
They poo the nutrients from the leaves
into the soil.
Off-duty worms
Soil can become too dry
for earthworms. Then, the
worms make small
chambers, and curl up
into tight knots to rest
and avoid losing moisture.
This can be for days or
months, until the soil
conditions improve.
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Mucus-lined
chambers help
worms survive
the summer.
Birds catch worms to
feed their chicks.
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