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Common Name

Aquatic Earthworm

Scientific Name

Phylum

Annelida

Class

Oligochaeta

Order

Family

Lab Storage

Feeding

Most Oligochaeta are collector-gatherers, but a few are engulfer-predators. Most digest fine detritus present in mud as they burrow through. Some feed on bacteria, protozoa and algae by extending their pharynx that has a lower sticky surface to pick up particles. A few prey on small invertebrates.

Water Quality Tolerance

The most well-known kinds (long and red) are very tolerant of pollution. Oligochaeta are only reliable indicators of pollution when they (especially the bright red kinds) represent the majority of collected invertebrates.

Fact

1-30mm, up to 150mm. The body is soft, muscular, and cylindrical. The body consists of round, ring-like segments. Oligochaeta do not have suckers or eyespots.

Habitat

Most commonly found in lentic-littoral, lentic-profundal, or lotic-depositional habitats. Most common species live in silt and mud in ponds, stagnant pools, lakes, and slow-moving sections of streams.

References

Voshell & Wright. 2002.