Several common earthworm species are mostly parthenogenetic, that is, with asexual reproduction resulting in clones.1 RAISING RED WIGGLERS: MOST POPULAR COMPOSTING AND PANFISHING WORM FREE DOWNLOAD Bruce GalleĢ Raising Red Wigglers is written in simple terms that anyone can comprehend and apply. Scientists predict that the average lifespan under field conditions is 4–8 years, still most garden varieties live only one to two years. They attain full size in about one year, sometimes sooner. They emerge as small, but fully formed earthworms, except for a lack of the sex structures, which develop later in about 60 to 90 days. – WikipediaĪs the worm slips out, the ends of the cocoon seal to form a vaguely lemon-shaped incubator ( cocoon) in which the embryonic worms develop. The worm then backs out of the ring, and as it does so, injects its own eggs and the other worm’s sperm into it. Some time after copulation, long after the worms have separated, the clitellum secretes the cocoon which forms a ring around the worm. The cocoon, or egg case, is secreted by the clitellum band which is near the front of the worm, but behind the spermathecae. The clitellum becomes very reddish to pinkish in color. The mating pair overlap front ends ventrally and each exchanges sperm with the other. Earthworms MatingĬopulation and reproduction are separate processes in earthworms. These cocoons are clearly visible to the naked eye. These cocoons are lemon-shaped and are pale yellow at first, becoming more brownish as the worms inside become mature. Both worms then secrete cocoons which contain several eggs each. The two worms join clitellums, the large orangeish bands which contain the worms’ reproductive organs, and which are only visible during the reproduction process. However, two worms are still required for reproduction. As with other earthworm species, Eisenia fetida is hermaphroditic.
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