Earthworms Native to Texas

Megascolecidae

• Various species of the Megascolecidae family of earthworms are found in Texas. The species count of the family is high; different species live throughout different environments and regions of the state. Earthworms from the Megascolecidae family can be identified by the juncture of ducts leading to the male pores on their bodies. They are found in close proximity to earthworms from the Acanthodrilidae family.

Acanthodrilidae

• Earthworms of the Acanthodriliade family, like the species of the Megascaloecidae family, are found throughout various regions and environments within Texas. These earthworms are widely distributed throughout the United States and throughout the world. Earthworm species from the Acanthodrilidae family have the physiological ability to withstand hot and humid environments, allowing them to survive the hot summers of Texas.

Naididae

• Three species of the Naididae family of earthworms are found in Texas. These earthworms are aquatic and live solely in water or in muddy areas in close proximity to water. Aulodrilus limnobius and Aulodrilus piqueti are found within the middle to eastern regions of the state. Aulodrilus pluriseta is rare and only found sparsely in the midsection of Texas.

Lumbriculidae

• Only the Lumbriculus variegtus species within the Lumbriculidae family of earthworms is native to Texas. This species is found throughout southeastern Texas. Commonly called the blackworm, the species lives in marshy regions. This environment allows the earthworm to survive in hot, dry conditions. A unique characteristic of the blackworm is that it has photoreceptors throughout its body. The photoreceptors detect movement, which allows the earthworm to escape from predators.

Sparanophilidae

• The Sparanophilidae family of earthworms contains only one genus. Two species within this genus, Sparganophilus eiseni and Sparganophilus tamesis, are native to Texas. Earthworm species from this genus are longer and more slender in appearance than other earthworms. Sparganophilus earthworms often rise to the surface when feeding. Their highly vascularized system enables them to obtain oxygen from the air when protruding at the surface of mud with a low oxygen content. They usually inhabit muddy areas near streams and rivers. S. tamesis is more abundant than S. eiseni and found throughout the state, while S. eiseni can only be found in middle and eastern regions of Texas.