Eisenia fetida

E. fetida is used for vermicomposting of both domestic and industrial organic waste. Vermicomposting septic systems have been used for decades and allow for decentralized on-site processing of blackwater using Eisenia fetida. Tiger worms are also being tested for use in a flushless toilet, currently being trialled in India, Uganda and Myanmar. Moreover, red worm is widely used in fishing, being one of the most ideal baits for tench, bream, and roach. == Odor ==

When roughly handled a redworm exudes a pungent liquid, thus the specific name fetida meaning "foul-smelling". This is presumably an antipredator adaptation. ==Related species==

E. fetida is closely related to E. andrei, also referred to as E. f. andrei. The only simple way of distinguishing the two species is that E. fetida is sometimes lighter in colour, however identification by morphology is not reliable. Molecular analyses have confirmed their identity as separate species, and breeding experiments have shown that they do produce hybrids. The mitochondrial genetic characteristics of the Irish population of E. fetida could be the result of reproductive isolation, so suggests that this sample may constitute an unrecognized species or subspecies of E. fetida. ==Reproduction==

As with other earthworm species, E. fetida is hermaphroditic, and uniparental reproduction is possible, even if usually the reproduction is between copulating individuals. The two worms join clitella, the large, lighter-colored bands which contain the worms' reproductive organs, and which are only prominent during the reproduction process. The two worms exchange sperm. Both worms then secrete cocoons, which contain several eggs each. These cocoons are lemon-shaped and are pale yellow at first, becoming more brownish as the worms inside become mature. These cocoons are clearly visible to the naked eye. At 25°C, E. fetida hatches from its cocoon in about 3 weeks. ==DNA repair==

Ionizing radiation induces DNA strand breaks and oxidized DNA bases in both spermatogenic cells and somatic cells of E. fetida, and also induces the repair of these damages. ==Lifespan==

The lifespan of E. fetida under controlled conditions varies between one and five years. ==Habitat==

The ideal habitat of Eisenia fetida includes organic matter that they can feast on. Usually they live just beneath the surface to avoid light. The temperature of the mixture in which they reside should be between 40°F to 90°F. In the summer, they will actively go deeper than 6 inches to find cooler areas as they don't prefer heat. The cocoons that they form can handle even harsher temperatures. ==References==