Nightcrawlers vs Earthworms
Nightcrawlers are a type of worm that appear at night, while earthworms live underground during the day. Nightcrawlers have a longer, fatter body compared to earthworms. Worms do not have legs, arms, or eyes.
Biology and Habits
- Nightcrawlers have segmented bodies, can sense light, and feel vibrations to detect danger.
- Earthworms, on the other hand, are diurnal and prefer daylight.
- Both worms need food, moisture, oxygen, and the right temperature to survive.
Etymology and Differences
- The term "earthworm" dates back to the 1300s or 1400s from Old English as "regnwyrm."
- "Nightcrawler" originated in the 1890s combining "night" and "crawl."
- Nightcrawlers and earthworms are different species with distinct characteristics and behaviors.
Mixing Earthworms and Nightcrawlers
You can mix earthworms and nightcrawlers together in certain situations. They share similar behaviors and can coexist peacefully in the same habitat or container. Contrary to some tales, worms cannot interbreed or hybridize. Both worms are vital for soil health and contribute to composting and aeration.