Enchytraeidae

Enchytraeidae is a vast family of microdrile oligochaeta, commonly referred to as pot worms or white worms. This family is composed of terrestrial and marine species, of which generally appear similar to miniature earthworms. The common name derives from their proneness to be found within the soil of container plants. Furthermore, many experienced gardeners are under the belief that soil or compost is not considered to be normal without the presence of pot worms.

Taxonomy

	Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
Classification	Animalia	Annelida	Clitellata	Haplotaxida	Enchytraeidae

This very common family consists of roughly 600 species across 28 genera.

• Mesenchytraeus, one genus of enchytraeids, contains several species that are commonly referred to as ice worms.
• Another well-known species within the Enchytraeidae family is the grindal worm (Enchytraeus buchholzi), which are commercially bred and sold as aquarium fish food.

Enchytraeidae genera include:

• Achaeta
• Archienchytraeus
• Cernosvitoviella
• Christensenidrilus
• Cognettia
• Enchytraeina
• Enchytraeus
• Epitelphusa
• Fridericia
• Globulidrilus
• Grania
• Hemifridericia
• Henlea
• Lumbricillus
• Marionina Parenchytraeus
• Mesenchytraeus – ice worms
• Neoenchytraeus
• Randidrilus
• Stephensoniella

Description and Characteristics

Pot worms are segmented relatives of the earthworm and are known for their anatomical resemblance. Pot worms are much smaller, however, averagely only growing 10-20 mm in length at maturity. Generally, most species of pot worms are unpigmented or white in coloration.