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 a wide range of genera, including:
- Achaeta
- Archienchytraeus
- Cernosvitoviella
- Christensenidrilus
- Cognettia
- Enchytraeina
- Enchytraeus – includes a more well-known species, Enchytraeus buchholzi, commonly known as the grindal worm. They are commercially bred and sold as aquarium fish food.
- Epitelphusa
- Fridericia
- Globulidrilus
- Grania
- Hemifridericia
- Henlea
- Lumbricillus
- Marionina Parenchytraeus
- Mesenchytraeus – includes several species that are commonly referred to as ice worms.
- Neoenchytraeus
- Randidrilus
- Stephensoniella
Description and Characteristics
Worms of the Enchytraeidae family are segmented relatives of the earthworm and are known for their anatomical resemblance. Species of pot worms are much smaller than earthworms, however, averagely only growing 10-20 mm in length at maturity. Their bodies are visible to the naked eye, sometimes being mistaken for larvae of other worm species. Generally, most species of Pot Worms|pot worms are unpigmented or white in coloration. Although certain species of glacial pot worms, referred to as ice worms, often have bodies of darker brown shades.
Enchytraeids can be large enough to contribute to soil porosity through burrowing, along with their bigger cousins. The enormous amounts of casts produced and the mucus secretions they leave behind in their burrows hugely influences the bacterial and mineral content of the region they inhabit- known as the drilosphere.
Distribution and Habitats
This species prefers an acid environment that is moist. If too dry, they will die. Even though pot worms are attracted to soils that are higher in acid, that does not mean the dirt needs amending.
Diet
Pot worms feed on the same type of litter as earthworms. They are efficient at aerating soil and breaking down just about any organic materials. Their diet is strictly bacteria and fungus, which are digestible, and organic matter, which their systems cannot process. They are also known to prey on nematodes. Gain most of their nutrients by consuming fungal hyphae and bacterial material, together with the frass or excreta from other soil animals.