Earthworms

Earthworms are small animals with long, soft bodies. They live in the dirt under our feet. Earthworms do not have bones, eyes, or ears. They move by wiggling and stretching. These worms are great helpers for gardens and farms.

Life in the Soil

Earthworms spend most of their lives underground. They dig tunnels as they eat their way through the dirt. Their tunnels let air and water reach plant roots. Earthworms eat dead leaves and bits of plants. Their poop makes the soil rich and healthy.

How They Breathe

Earthworms breathe through their skin, not with lungs. Their skin must stay wet for them to take in air. This is why you see worms on the ground after it rains. If a worm dries out, it cannot breathe. That is why they like cool, damp places.

Fun Facts

• Earthworms can have over 100 body parts called segments.
• Some earthworms can grow more than 10 feet long.
• An earthworm has five hearts.

Did You Know?

If an earthworm loses the back part of its body, it can sometimes grow a new one. But if the front is cut off, it cannot survive.