Green worm

Description

Allolobophora chlorotica, commonly known as the green worm, is a species of earthworm that feeds and lives in soil. This species stands out from other earthworms due to the presence of three pairs of sucker-like discs on the underside of the clitellum. An examination of A. chlorotica specimens from many parts of the British Isles suggests that there are two forms of this species, one with green pigment in the body wall, and one which lacks this pigment, making it pink. Allolobophora chlorotica is native to the Palearctic, which consists of Europe, Asia north of the foothills of the Himalayas, North Africa, and the northern and central parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It has also now been introduced in North and South America, Africa and New Zealand. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, from arable land to woodland, to even front lawns. In a British study, this species was recorded in all habitats except pine woodland and mires. They are also often the numerically dominant earthworm species in England, especially in neutral to base-rich grasslands and arable soils. Because Allolobophora chlorotica is an endogeic worm, it builds complex lateral burrow systems through all layers of the upper mineral soil. This species of worm rarely comes to the surface, instead it spends its life in these burrow systems where they feed on mineral soil and decayed organic matter. Populations of the entirely pink morphs can be found in gardens and woodlands. The green morphs can be found in grasslands, ditches, banks of streams and lakes and among the roots of aquatic plants such as reed mace. In northern England, mixed populations of both pink and green morphs have been found in grasslands. Allolobophora chlorotica is now thought comprise more than one species. Genetic research carried out by Cardiff University suggests the figure could be as high as four. Certain research led by Central Lancashire University has shown that the pink and green morphs are very likely to be separate species. These different color morphs are thought to have different habitat niches, green morphs needing very wet conditions while the pink morph favors slightly drier conditions. Recent breeding experiments have put into question the status of the green and pink color morphs of Allolobophora Chlorotica, and whether or not they should be classified as two different species.