Earthworms of Canada
There are 23 known species of earthworms in Canada. Nearly all of them are thought to have been introduced following the ice age. Scientists believe that the glaciers wiped out every native Canadian earthworm species. But is it possible that some survived?
This is one question that Dr. Jill Clapperton hopes to answer through a five year earthworm census called Worm Watch. This program combines the efforts of public citizens, farmers, school children and scientists in a nationwide survey of species found using standardized investigative methods. All participants are welcome!
To aid in this survey, the Worm Watch team has made species identification resources available through the web.
If you’d like to identify a specific worm species you can compare characteristics using the General Earthworm Diagram and cross reference your observations with the Taxonomic Key. Visit the Field Guide to Earthworms to confirm your identification and to gain further information about each species.
Or you can simply compare your worm specimen to photos of known species.
Unidentified Canadian Worms
If you find a worm that you can’t identify using these charts and photos, you may wish to send it to Dr. Clapperton for further investigation. So far the Worm Watch program has lead to the discovery of three new species of earthworms in Canada! There are worms in Vancouver Island, Alberta and northern Ontario that have not been found anywhere else in the world. This leaves the door wide open to the possibility that some native Canadian species may have survived the ice age.
Giant Gipsland Earthworms
Ever wonder how large earthworms can be? David Attenborough was amazed by the enormity of these Gipsland earthworms, which could clearly be heard sloshing through the soil as he walked above their tunnels. Currently, these are the largest earthworms ever found.
Jenn's Worm Composting Blog 