Description
Description

Worms are elongated, soft-bodied invertebrates belonging to various phyla, including Annelida, Nematoda, and Platyhelminthes. These creatures, often devoid of limbs and complex structures, inhabit a wide range of environments from terrestrial soils to aquatic ecosystems. Worms play pivotal roles in their ecosystems, particularly in soil aeration and nutrient cycling, making them crucial for plant growth and soil health. Evolutionarily, worms are ancient, dating back over 500 million years, showcasing a successful and adaptable design. Their simplistic body plan has allowed them to thrive in diverse habitats, leading to a vast number of species with varying sizes, behaviors, and life cycles.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Worms are notable for their long, cylindrical bodies that lack rigid skeletons. Instead, many use hydrostatic pressure, with fluid-filled cavities providing structure. Earthworms, for example, move by contracting muscles and extending bristles called setae to grip the soil. Worms generally don't have eyes or ears like humans, but they can sense light and vibrations through their skin. Some, like the planarians, have simple eye spots to detect light intensity. They don't "speak," but communicate through chemicals or touch. Despite their simplicity, worms are incredibly efficient at digesting material, often through a tube-like gut that runs the length of their body.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Throughout history, humans have held a multifaceted relationship with worms. These creatures have been pivotal in agriculture, enriching soil and aiding composting. In science, worms, especially nematodes and planarians, have been crucial for genetic and regenerative studies due to their simplicity and quick reproduction. Cultural references abound, from the "Early bird gets the worm" adage to their appearances in literature and movies, often symbolizing decay or renewal.

Conservation efforts mainly focus on maintaining healthy soil ecosystems, crucial for preserving earthworm populations. Recognizing their ecological value, initiatives aim to protect their habitats from pollution, overfarming, and climate change.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do worms eat?

Worms are able to eat their body weight every day and tend to eat their food as it starts to decompose. A worm’s diet typically consists of dead plants, some living plants, dead animals, animal feces, bacteria, fungi, and microscopic worms.

How do worms reproduce?

Worms have both male and female sexual organs making them hermaphrodites. Worms are able to reproduce by lining themselves up at their heads and attaching themselves at the clitella. A cocoon is then formed at the clitella band. Each cocoon has 1 to 5 worms, and will hatch when the conditions are right.

Why do worms come out when it rains?

Worms breathe oxygen by absorbing it through its skin. While raining, soil may get too much rain and oxygen in the soil will run out. This causes worms to come out when it rains. Worms are only safe above ground when it is dark, since they run the chance of being eaten by a bird, or being killed by the sun.

Animals

* Under Development *

2.75”-3.74” | 2.5-9.5 cm (Diameter)
1.97”-5.91” | 5-15 cm
.002-.1 lb | 1-45 g
2.5-3.5 years
Bearded Fireworm
9.500
15.000
0.045
3.50
1600
GUIDE
3D
Bearded Fireworm
.79”-1.97” | 2-4 cm (Diameter)
3.28’-9.84’ | 1-3 m
.77-1 lb | .35-.45 kg
3-5 years
Bobbit Worm
4.000
300.000
0.450
5.00
47300
GUIDE
3D
Bobbit Worm
.28”-.39” | 7-10 mm (Diameter)
7.87”-9.84” | 20-25 cm
.01-.09 lb | 5-40 g
4-8 years
Common Earthworm
1.000
25.000
0.040
8.00
6800
GUIDE
3D
Common Earthworm
.2”-.24” | 5-6 mm (Diameter)
1.97”-5.12” | 5-13 cm
.002-.003 lb | 1-1.5 g
1-3 years
European Nightcrawler
0.600
13.000
0.002
3.00
700
GUIDE
3D
European Nightcrawler
.08”-.12” | 2-3 mm (Diameter)
5.91”-27.56” | 15-70 cm
1-12 months
Flea Tapeworm
0.300
70.000
1.00
28400
GUIDE
3D
Flea Tapeworm
.79”-1.18” | 2-3 cm (Diameter)
3.28’-9.84’ | 1-3 m
.44-.88 lb | .2-.4 kg
10-20 years
Giant Gippsland Earthworm
3.000
300.000
0.400
20.00
4100
GUIDE
3D
Giant Gippsland Earthworm
1.57”-1.97” | 4-5 cm (Diameter)
6.56’-9.84’ | 2-3 m
.006-.09 lb | 3-44 g
100-300 years
Giant Tube Worm
5.000
300.000
0.044
300.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Giant Tube Worm
.12”-.2” | 3-5 mm (Diameter)
7.87”-15.75” | 20-40 cm
Hammerhead Flatworm
0.500
40.000
13100
GUIDE
3D
Hammerhead Flatworm
Lugworm
12900
3.54”-3.94” | 9-10 cm (Diameter)
3.94”-11.81” | 10-30 cm
.002-.003 lb | 1-1.5 g
5-6 years
Lugworm
10.000
30.000
0.002
6.00
12900
GUIDE
3D
Lugworm
.08”-.2” | 2-5 mm (Diameter)
1.57”-2.75” | 4-7 cm
.001-.002 lb | .5-1 g
New Guinea Flatworm
0.500
7.000
0.001
6000
GUIDE
3D
New Guinea Flatworm
Pinworm
124000
.01”-.02” | .3-.6 mm (Diameter)
.2”-.51” | .5-1.3 cm
1-2 months
Pinworm
0.060
1.300
0.17
124000
GUIDE
3D
Pinworm
.24”-.28” | 6-7 mm (Diameter)
6.56’-23’ | 2-7 m
3-5 years
Pork Tapeworm
0.700
700.000
5.00
76800
GUIDE
3D
Pork Tapeworm
.12”-.2” | 3-5 mm (Diameter)
1.18”-5.12” | 3-13 cm
.009-.013 lb | 4-6 g
2-5 years
Redworm
0.500
13.000
0.006
5.00
5900
GUIDE
3D
Redworm
.12”-.14” | 3-3.5 mm (Diameter)
1.18”-1.97” | 3-5 cm
1-3 years
Whipworm
0.350
5.000
3.00
56000
GUIDE
3D
Whipworm
Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Whipworm to other worms

The Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) is a parasitic roundworm that causes trichuriasis when it infects a human large intestine. Its name references the shape of the worm which looks like a whip with wider ”handles” at the posterior end. The Whipworm lives in the soil during its egg stage, and once it is ingested by its host, it will develop into the larvae stage. Once in the intestines, it will mature into the adult stage. Physically, it has a narrow anterior esophageal end and a shorter and thick posterior end. They are pinkish-white and threaded through the mucosa where they will attach to the host through the anterior end and feed on tissue secretions.

The Whipworm has an overall length between 1.18”-1.97” (3-5 cm) and diameter of .12”-.14” (3-3.5 mm). The typical lifespan of the Whipworm is between 1-3 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Whipworm in various poses
The Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) is a parasitic roundworm that causes trichuriasis when it infects a human large intestine. Its name references the shape of the worm which looks like a whip with wider ”handles” at the posterior end. The Whipworm lives in the soil during its egg stage.

The Whipworm has an overall length between 1.18”-1.97” (3-5 cm) and diameter of .12”-.14” (3-3.5 mm). The typical lifespan of the Whipworm is between 1-3 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Whipworm in various poses
Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)
Height:
Width:
.12”-.14” | 3-3.5 mm (Diameter)
Length:
1.18”-1.97” | 3-5 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Trichuris trichiura
Lifespan
1-3 years

Drawings include:

Whipworm top view (assorted)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm compared to other worms

The Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis) is an earthworm species native to Australia. They occupy deep burrow systems that require water to respire; these are located in the subsoil of blue, gray, or red clay soils along stream banks in Gippsland in Victoria, Australia. The Giant Gippsland Earthworm is usually very sluggish, but when they move quickly through their burrows, they make an audible gurgling or sucking sound. Unlike other earthworms that deposit castings on the surface the Giant Gippsland Earthworm spends all their time in burrows and deposit their castings there.

The Giant Gippsland Earthworm has an overall length between 3.28’-9.84’ (1-3 m), diameter of .79”-1.18” (2-3 cm), and weight of .44-.88 lb (.2-.4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm is between 10-20 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis) is an earthworm species native to Australia. They occupy deep burrow systems that require water to respire; these are located in the subsoil of blue, gray, or red clay soils along stream banks in Gippsland in Victoria, Australia.

The Giant Gippsland Earthworm has an overall length between 3.28’-9.84’ (1-3 m), diameter of .79”-1.18” (2-3 cm), and weight of .44-.88 lb (.2-.4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm is between 10-20 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm
Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis)
Height:
Width:
.79”-1.18” | 2-3 cm (Diameter)
Length:
3.28’-9.84’ | 1-3 m
Depth:
Weight:
.44-.88 lb | .2-.4 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Megascolides australis
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Giant Gippsland Earthworm top view (assorted)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Bearded Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata)
Scale illustration of an average Bearded Fireworm compared to other worm species

The Bearded Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) is a marine bristleworm that lives in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It occupies many marine living environments like corals, rocks, mud, sand, posidonia, and drifting wood. Superficially, the Bearded Fireworm looks like a centipede with its flat body, multiple segments, white silks, and gills located on the side of its body. There are 60-150 identical segments on the body, each separated by a thin white line. Color variations include yellow, red, gray, and white with a pearly glow. As a voracious predator, the Bearded Fireworm feeds on soft and hard corals, anemones, and small crustaceans.

The Bearded Fireworm has an overall length between 1.97”-5.91” (5-15 cm), diameter of 2.75”-3.74” (2.5-9.5 cm), and weight of .002-.1 lb (1-45 g). The typical lifespan of the Bearded Fireworm is between 2.5-3.5 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Bearded Fireworm
The Bearded Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) is a marine bristleworm that lives in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It occupies many marine living environments like corals, rocks, mud, sand, posidonia, and drifting wood. Superficially, the Bearded Fireworm looks like a centipede.

The Bearded Fireworm has an overall length between 1.97”-5.91” (5-15 cm), diameter of 2.75”-3.74” (2.5-9.5 cm), and weight of .002-.1 lb (1-45 g). The typical lifespan of the Bearded Fireworm is between 2.5-3.5 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Bearded Fireworm
Bearded Fireworm (Hermodice carunculata)
Height:
Width:
2.75”-3.74” | 2.5-9.5 cm (Diameter)
Length:
1.97”-5.91” | 5-15 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.002-.1 lb | 1-45 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Hermodice carunculata
Lifespan
2.5-3.5 years

Drawings include:

Bearded Fireworm top view (assorted)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Bobbit Worm (Eunice aphroditois)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Bobbit Worm to other worms

The Bobbit Worm (Eunice aphroditois) is a bristleworm that lives in self-made burrows in the ocean floor. They mainly live in the Atlantic Ocean, but they are also found in the Indo-Pacific ocean area. Due to their slim bodies and ability to hunt and blend in tight spaces, they are often found among coral reefs. As an omnivore, the species eats small fish, worms, seaweed, and other macroalgae. Physically, the Bobbit Worm has a hard exoskeleton, two eyes and five antennae on the head, and retractable mandibles. Color variations can be deep purple, black, and a metallic hue, and the fourth antenna is always white.

The Bobbit Worm has an overall length between 3.28’-9.84’ (1-3 m), diameter of .79”-1.97” (2-4 cm), and weight of .77-1 lb (.35-.45 kg). The typical lifespan of the Bobbit Worm is between 3-5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Bobbit Worm in various poses
The Bobbit Worm (Eunice aphroditois) is a bristleworm that lives in self-made burrows in the ocean floor. They mainly live in the Atlantic Ocean, but they are also found in the Indo-Pacific ocean area. Due to their slim bodies and ability to hunt and blend in tight spaces.

The Bobbit Worm has an overall length between 3.28’-9.84’ (1-3 m), diameter of .79”-1.97” (2-4 cm), and weight of .77-1 lb (.35-.45 kg). The typical lifespan of the Bobbit Worm is between 3-5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Bobbit Worm in various poses
Bobbit Worm (Eunice aphroditois)
Height:
Width:
.79”-1.97” | 2-4 cm (Diameter)
Length:
3.28’-9.84’ | 1-3 m
Depth:
Weight:
.77-1 lb | .35-.45 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Eunice aphroditois
Lifespan
3-5 years

Drawings include:

Bobbit Worm top view (assorted)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Hammerhead Flatworm (Bipalium kewense)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Hammerhead Flatworm to other worms

The Hammerhead Flatworm (Bipalium) is a predatory land planarian named after the distinctive shape of their head region. As their native habitat were regions of Southeast Asia, they like environments that are hot and humid, so they do well in greenhouses and tropical and subtropical areas. They like to be out of the sun under leaf litter, rocks and logs, and shrubs. The Hammerhead Flatworm has a half-moon shaped head; it is usually light colored with one to five dark dorsal stripes and a dark collar. They are a known predator of earthworms, but they may feed on other organisms.

The Hammerhead Flatworm has an overall length between 7.87”-15.75” (20-40 cm) and diameter of .12”-.2” (3-5 mm).

Scaled collection of drawings of Hammerhead Flatworm in various poses
The Hammerhead Flatworm (Bipalium) is a predatory land planarian named after the distinctive shape of their head region. As their native habitat were regions of Southeast Asia, they like environments that are hot and humid, so they do well in greenhouses and tropical and subtropical areas.

The Hammerhead Flatworm has an overall length between 7.87”-15.75” (20-40 cm) and diameter of .12”-.2” (3-5 mm).

Scaled collection of drawings of Hammerhead Flatworm in various poses
Hammerhead Flatworm (Bipalium kewense)
Height:
Width:
.12”-.2” | 3-5 mm (Diameter)
Length:
7.87”-15.75” | 20-40 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Bipalium kewense
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Hammerhead Flatworm top view (assorted)

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads