Earthworm collecting seeds

This is a timelapse video of the common nightcrawler earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) gathering seeds of giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida). For more info., see "Impact of an exotic earthworm on seed dispersal of an indigenous U.S. weed," 2008. Journal of Applied Ecology 45:1621-1629. The soundtrack is Chopin's Mazurka Opus 7, No. 4 in A-flat.

One Month Birthday Party - 13th!

Preparing for the birthday party! This week the worms will be one month old - that is - one month since they arrived (April 13, 2010) . . . now I know why I keep the worms safe inside . . .


HAPPY BIRTHDAY WORMS!

Charles Darwin - an earthworm scientist

Charles Darwin was one of the earliest, and the most thorough, researchers to study the ways of the earthworm and its effect on the soil. His book, The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms, with Observations on Their Habits, published in 1881. (public domain book from the Classic Literature Library)


Charles Darwin as an earthworm scientist: caricature, from the Journal Punch, published in the year 1882.

Earthworms – Surprising Partners in the Creation of Fertile Soils, Tilth Producers Quarterly, A Journal of Organic and Sustainable Agriculture, V.8, no 1 & 2, 1982.

see also: GeoLog Blog – Charles Darwin & the Natural History of ... worms

Darwin did experiments to determine what senses earthworms possessed.

In one of these experiments, he put a pot of earthworms near the family piano and struck a note (Darwin even tells us which note). The worms did not respond. He repeated the experiment with the pot placed on the piano, which did engender a response and revealed how earthworms sense sound through vibrations.

Worms dancing

Seems like the worms are all trying to capture the spotlight - first there was music, then art, and now dancing - led by Bernie, and help from Goofy Oofy, Paja Gus, Lala Goopa and a few un-named:

Worms making art

Meet the leader Bygalooga, and others: Flower, Crawly Creepers, Growey Joey and Sneaky Joe. When they heard about worms making music, they knew it was time to make their mark (so to speak) in the world of art: