How do earthworms mate

Based in Portland, Ore. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as "Herb Companion" and "Northwest Travel" and she is the author of six books. What Are the Functions of the Septum in an Earthworm? Life Cycle of a Centipede. Physical Adaptations of Roundworms.

The Life Cycle of Thrips. Mollusk Life Cycle. Life Cycle of Leeches. The Difference Between Flatworms and Roundworms. Facts on Caterpillars. The Anatomy of the Hydra. Worms That Bite Humans. Earthworm Phylum Characteristics. This means that they have both male and female reproductive organs. However, they cannot reproduce alone. They must pair with another worm for successful reproduction to occur. When two worms mate, they join and begin secreting mucus to create a mucus ring around them.

After a few hours the worms separate and lay eggs and fertilize the inside of the cocoon. The worms back out of the cocoon and it seals itself off, leaving an oval-shaped cocoon that hardens over time to protect the young hatchlings inside.

After 11 weeks, the hatchlings emerge from the cocoon! Their bodies undergo changes as they grow older, and at around 90 days old they become old enough to mate.

You have probably seen this on an earthworm or nightcrawler. This gland plays an important role in the mating process as it produces the mucus needed for cocoon production.

One important thing to take note of is that the larger the worms are, the more often they mate and the more hatchlings their cocoons will produce. Ensuring that your worms enjoy a proper diet will help them grow healthy and strong. One of the most enjoyable parts about vermicomposting is the self-sustaining element of it.

Earthworms are known to live years before they die, which is why we always suggest helping a worm find its way back into moist soil when you see one stranded on a walkway, road, driveway or another dangerous environment! It forms when I am about 4 to 6 weeks old. It has both male and female reproductive organs. That means I am neither a boy or girl, I am both.

When mating, another worm and I join together with heads pointing in opposite directions. Sperm is passed from one worm to the other and stored in sacs.