How can you tell a European Nightcrawler?

Asked by: Andre Gainer

European nightcrawlers look very similar to red wigglers (but larger). Their tails tend to flatten out slightly (but not as much as a Canadian nightcrawler), and the yellow markings that red wigglers sometimes develop are more prominent in the Euro. European nightcrawlers also have a prominent clitellumclitellumThe clitellum is a thickened glandular and non-segmented section of the body wall near the head in earthworms and leeches, that secretes a viscid sac in which eggs are stored. It is located near the anterior end of the body, between the fourteenth and seventeenth segments.

How do you tell the difference between red wigglers and European Nightcrawlers?

The European nightcrawler worm is actually the worm cousin of red wrigglers. But they only differ in the size (European’s are larger). You can find them burrowing and thriving in most compost heaps or piles of animal manure.

How do you identify nightcrawlers?

You'll have the male pores. There should be two of them. Hard to see. But they'll be slightly raised two bumps one on this side one on that side.

How big is a European nightcrawler?

2-3 inches long

The European Nightcrawlers are slightly larger than the red worms, which makes them great for composting and fishing too. They can digest larger material than red wigglers. These worms are 2-3 inches long, and about the size of pencil. They can eat nearly 1/2 of their weight in food every day.

Where do European Nightcrawlers live?

European Night Crawlers dig deeper than red worms, however they are still considered top feeders. In other words they thrive closer to the surface layer of top soil; close to decomposing vegetative organic matter. Euros prefer just about any decaying matter.

Can red wigglers and European Nightcrawlers?

Red wigglers and nightcrawlers are two worm species you can use on your farm to maintain and/or increase the fertility of plants’ soil. But, the question you’d like answered is, “can you mix red wigglers and nightcrawlers?” Yes, you can.

Are European Nightcrawlers good for fishing?

European nightcrawlers are perfect for those who want to catch fish in rivers and streams. As previously mentioned, these earthworms are very lively and they will definitely grab the attention of fish.

What’s the difference between worms and nightcrawlers?

Nightcrawlers Have A Segmented Body, Earthworms Have An Unsegmented Body: Nightcrawlers are segmented, meaning they have different sections to their bodies. On the other hand, Earthworms do not have a segmented body and instead just one long part with no divisions between each area of the worm’s body.

Are European Nightcrawlers invasive?

Damage caused by nightcrawlers



Nightcrawlers and other earthworms are considered invasive species and damage forest floors. Never release an earthworm in a natural forest.

What is the difference between nightcrawlers and jumping worms?

On jumping worms, the ring (clitellum) on adult worms is closer to the end than on nightcrawlers. Milky pink to milky gray in color, the ring encircles the whole body evenly, and is barely raised above the skin — unlike the nightcrawlers where it’s raised.

Can European Nightcrawlers survive winter?

Super Reds (European Night Crawlers) are a bit more cold hardy. If you live in an area of the country that gets cool in the winter, read these tips for protecting your worm friends: Be ready before the temperature drops below 57 degrees Fahrenheit. At 57 degrees, worms start to feel the cold.

Can you touch nightcrawlers?

Earthworms and red wriggler worms are perfectly safe to hold bare-handed, though it’s probably prudent to wash your hands before eating your next meal. Centipedes can bite, but they are nearly impossible to catch, which works out well.

How many European Nightcrawlers are in a pound?

There are about 400 worms per pound.



When you receive your order you can add them directly into you compost bin or pile. The worms may be a little dehydrated since they are shipped in a dry bedding.

How much are nightcrawlers worth?

Night crawlers from family operations sell for about $30 to $32 per pound. You’ll sell about 350 to 400 night crawlers per pound, so you’ll be getting approximately $0.08 each if you sell them retail in bulk. At local fishing spots near me, nightcrawlers fetch $2 per dozen.

What are European Nightcrawlers good for?

European nightcrawlers are one of the most commonly used composting worms, second only to the red wiggler. Being larger, they can also be easier to use as bait for fishing. However, they tend to consume things slower than their red wiggler cousins.