Worms might be small, slimy and squirmy, but many scientists think they’re the most important species in the history of the world! So why are they so special?
There are LOTS of them. In 2019, scientists estimated that there were 400 quintillion (that’s 400 billion billion!) worms in the top six inches of soil across the planet.
When worms tunnel through the earth, they mix together the different layers of soil. This helps spread nutrients underground.
Worms are a really important food for other animals. Creatures like frogs, birds and hedgehogs get valuable protein from eating worms.
There are around 300 species of worm around the world. They range from the African giant earthworm (which can grow to more than six metres long!) to the teeny-tiny Chaetogaster annandalei (measuring half a millimetre!).
They’ll eat anything that was once alive and is now dead — including plants, fruits, roots and leaves — as well as all sorts of tiny living organisms.
Their tunnels are important for the structure of the soil, because they let water drain down from the surface and into the earth.
They can’t see or hear, and they don’t have any lungs, instead using their skin to breathe.
Their castings, or poo, are one of the richest natural fertilisers known to humans.
Have you seen the bug hostel at YHA Hawkshead? The definition of a creepy-crawly mansion!
Get closer to nature and plan your next break with YHA.
Photo credit: bukhta79 / Adobe Stock/ Bug hostel at YHA Hawkshead / Wandersmiles
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