THE REAL COMPOSTING KIND OF WORMS!

The red wiggler (binomial name: eisenia fetida) is the world's most common composting worm.

As a member of the epigeic – Latin for “on the earth” – class of composting worms, red wigglers generally will not be found in soil. Rather, they thrive in and under leaf litter, manure, decomposing vegetation, and other organic matter.

Native to Europe, eisenia fetida are not classified as invasive species in North America as they are not considered to have a negative environmental impact in the wild.

Red wigglers are less commonly referred to as tiger worms, brandling worms, manure worms, panfish worms, and trout worms.

This species features a vibrant color with yellow banding and is closely related to the more uniformly-pigmented eisenia andrei.

A study suggests that the two can produce hybrid offspring, a phenomenon which should otherwise be considered impossible between most worm species.

Fun fact: The “fetid” part of the binomial name refers to what some say is a foul-smelling secretion the red wiggler uses to fend off predators. But I've been dealing with them for years and never noticed this!