Are Earthworms Stronger Than Humans? And Other Fun Facts to Know About These Wriggly Critters

 

For a remarkable creature that so commonly lives among people, earthworms are the subject of many misconceptions and misinformation. 

In today’s blog post, we’re sharing all kinds of earthworm facts and answering questions about them, like “Are earthworms stronger than humans?” Keep reading to find out!

Are Earthworms Stronger Than Humans?

We will start by responding to our featured question about whether the strength of earthworms is comparable to or even greater than that of humans. 

Depending on how you approach the question, the answer could be both yes and no! 

Biologists estimate that earthworms are 1,000 times stronger than humans, but humans are about 3000 times the size of earthworms. In other words, earthworms can lift much more weight in proportion to the size of their bodies than humans can, but not in general. 

For example, an earthworm cannot pick up a 5-lb dumbbell by itself—like a person can—but a joint effort of 12 million earthworms can move 20 tons in a year. 

Are Earthworms Bugs?

Biologists do not classify earthworms as bugs. “True bugs” are a subdivision of insects, and earthworms are not insects. They are classified as annelids (they’re from the phylum “Annelida”); insects are arthropods (creatures in the “Arthropoda” phylum).

Annelid Characteristics

Most annelids, including earthworms, possess the following characteristics:

• Bilateral Symmetry: Annelids are invertebrates with bilateral symmetry, meaning that if you cut their body in half, the two halves will be structurally and overall the same.
• Segments and Clitellums: Annelids’ bodies are composed of multiple segments that do not connect internally, so fluid is not passed between them. Earthworms have an anterior and posterior section of segments: each has about 50 segments connected by a band in the middle called the clitellum. 
• Regeneration Capabilities: Have you ever heard that if you chop off part of an earthworm, the parts that are still hanging on will live on, and they will regrow the parts they lost? It’s true!

• Hermaphroditic: Earthworms and other annelids are hermaphroditic, meaning they have male and female sex characteristics. They cannot reproduce asexually, though. Two worms need to engage to reproduce. 
• Cutaneous Respiration: Annelids do not possess organs or other internal body structures to breathe. Instead, annelids breathe through their skin, which is called cutaneous respiration. 
• Hemoglobin, not Hemolymph: Unlike insects, which have an open circulatory system and green blood called hemolymph, annelids (like humans) have a closed circulatory system that cycles red blood that contains the pigment hemoglobin. This is uncommon for invertebrates!

Why Earthworms Are Not Pests

As we mentioned in last week’s blog, earthworms aren’t pests. Earthworms don’t have teeth to bite you with, they don’t have any type of poison, and they can’t see you to attack you even if they wanted to because they don’t have eyes. 

Earthworms are beneficial to gardens by aerating soil, and their poop is an excellent fertilizer; it is better known as “worm castings” when sold in garden stores. 

Earthworms are also the favorite food for all kinds of creatures, like badgers. If your pet accidentally eats one, they’ll probably be fine (but taking them for a checkup doesn’t hurt, as some earthworms can carry prions, bacteria, and pathogens from soil).

Birmingham’s Best in Controlling Pests

Thanks for reading today’s blog! Although we love to talk about exciting creatures that benefit our customers’ livelihood, we’re not vermiculturists (worm farming experts). We’re Birmingham’s trusted source of effective pest control and preventative maintenance. 

For 40+ years, our team of integrative pest management professionals from Vulcan Termite & Pest Control has proudly aided hundreds of families in Birmingham and nearby communities by investigating and solving problems with pests on their property. 

We’ll gladly perform a FREE evaluation and create and implement an effective strategy using our tried-and-true methods, so you and your family can enjoy a pest-free home.

Are you curious to keep learning about common critters found in Alabama or how to safely and humanely deal with them when they show up on your property uninvited? Check out more of our weekly pest blogs for helpful tips, tricks, and educational content!