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Eisenia fetida, known under various common names such as manure worm, [2] redworm, brandling worm, panfish worm, trout worm, tiger worm, red wiggler worm, etc., is a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. These worms thrive in rotting vegetation, compost, and manure. They are epigean, rarely found in soil.
Various species of worms are used in vermiculture, the practice of feeding organic waste to earthworms to decompose food waste. These are usually Eisenia fetida (or its close relative Eisenia andrei) or the brandling worm, commonly known as the tiger worm or red wiggler. They are distinct from soil-dwelling earthworms.
The African nightcrawler has a uniform purple-grey sheen and the posterior segments are evenly tapered to a point. The segments of the brandling worm (Eisenia fetida) alternate reddish-orange and brown; the posterior segments do not taper, and the final segment is blunt.
Remember, the worms won't go deeper than about 12 inches, so keep the food buried but close to the surface. As the worms eat their bedding and food, they will fill the bin with their castings.
How nutritious are edible worms and insects? Many are a complete source of protein and high in iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, B-vitamins, amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and fiber.
D. hortensis is sold primarily as a bait worm, but its popularity as a composting worm is increasing. [2] It was considered part of Eisenia until 2003. [3] It is also formerly considered part of the similar Dendrobaena veneta, [1] but now just part of the species complex. Both are useful compost worms. [4]
Eisenia andrei is a close relative of the 'brandling' or 'tiger' worm Eisenia fetida. Like E. fetida, it is epigeic, i.e. it prefers to live in compost or leaf litter rather than mineral soils. It can be distinguished from E. fetida as it is darker in colour, and the characteristic stripes are less pronounced.
Research on the worms began more than 15 years ago at Sam Houston State University when Patrick J. Lewis, a professor there, led a research trip to Botswana with students.