In North America, the term nightcrawler (or vitalis) is also used, and more specifically Canadian nightcrawler, referring to the fact that the large majority of these worms sold commercially (usually as fishing bait) are from Southern Ontario.

Nightcrawlers are beneficial earthworms that provide natural aeration of soil. They allow water and oxygen to penetrate more easily into the ground. Their feeding and excrement helps recycle nutrients and fertilize the soil.

Oct 7, 2023 · Nightcrawler worms are earthworms that come out at night to feed on decaying organic matter. They are commonly used in composting and gardening, as burrowing helps soil aeration and nutrient distribution.

Mar 17, 2014 · What is a night crawler? This is the basic question we are concerned with, and the answer is straightforward: a night crawler (also written as “nightcrawler”) is simply an earthworm, an extremely common worm we have written about dozens of times.

Aug 18, 2023 · At first glance, nightcrawler worms may appear as just ordinary inhabitants of our lawns and woodlands. However, a closer look reveals a range of beautiful worms that can grow anywhere from 6-8 inches to a staggering 10-12 inches long.

May 18, 2024 · Nightcrawlers, scientifically known as Lumbricus terrestris, are large worms that belong to the family Lumbricidae. These worms are typically found in temperate regions and are known for their burrowing capabilities. Nightcrawlers can grow up to 14 inches long and have a cylindrical body with a smooth exterior.

Mar 11, 2025 · The worms that crawl at night are most commonly known as nightcrawlers (Lumbricus terrestris). These earthworms are the unsung heroes of our gardens and ecosystems, emerging from their burrows under the cover of darkness to feed on decaying organic matter and perform vital soil aeration.

Jul 27, 2022 · Nightcrawler worms are the most common earthworms in the world and they are used as bait for fish, and also for vermicomposting in the garden. Look around most moist soil surfaces at night and you may catch nightcrawler worms scrambling the area.

The European nightcrawler (Dendrobaena hortensis) is a medium-small earthworm averaging about 1.5 g when fully grown. Generally blueish, pink-grey in color with a banded or striped appearance, the tips of their tails are often cream or pale yellow.

Nov 22, 2019 · Nightcrawlers use their setae to slither and move as well as burrow into the ground. If you dissect one of these worms, you will discover that it does not possess a backbone, making it an invertebrate. Nightcrawlers can grow to be a whopping 14 inches long and can weight up to 0.39 oz.