Worm World


We are back with a new season of Worm World!

We can’t be the only ones genuinely fascinated with the residents of worm farms and compost piles.


It’s the essence of why l became so enthusiastic about worm farming and composting in the first place over the more traditional gardening experience.


The one thing l noticed when l started researching worms and compost critters was the lack of the actual specific ‘worm’ images there was, and l figured, well, maybe that is something that worm fanciers like myself might appreciate seeing more of.


By taking these close-ups and macro shots of the worms, l came up with the idea of the Earthen Wurmin brand. These galleries display to the reader the true inner beauty of earthwormery.


Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll enjoy the new season.


Earthen Wurmin and The Autistic Composter


Season 3 – 2023
Please feel free to check out the other galleries
Worm World Ewww Gallery
Vermicomposting Content Directory
Ewww Quick Tips Directory

Slideshow – Close up images from deep inside the compost bins.

Earthen Wurmin’s Worm Facts & Quotes

Scientists used to believe that worms surfaced when it rained because they feared drowning in their burrows, but this is not the case.

Believe it or not, earthworms can survive underwater for several weeks as their skin can absorb oxygen from the water they are within. Earthworms cannot, however, swim, and if they fail to exit the water, they will eventually succumb to drowning.

I have noticed that several bird species – gulls, jackdaws and buzzards- perform rain dance or what is now known as the worm charming ritual. They dance on the ground in the form of minute tapping, which makes the earthworm believe it is raining, so they surface and are gobbled up by the ritualists!

Earthworms rise to the surface during rainfall because it is easier to migrate to other locations when the ground is wet. They can crawl and cover significant distances and further than through the soil itself. The rainfall causes vibrations on the soil’s surface, and the worms know it is raining.

Birds have learned this behaviour, and so use it to their advantage.
Worms are also known to surface when it is not raining, and that is because unexpected vibrations in the soil can also spell the arrival of a predator like a mole.

I have noticed when working on soil that any banging l am involved with, or even heavier footfall on concentrated areas, can cause worms to seek the surface to escape predation or dangers.

When looking to attract earthworms, Fishermen are known to gently tap an inserted stake in the ground, which will vibrate in the soil, causing the worms to panic and surface.

Designs – Earthly Comforts – Inspired by Nature – see collection here
Life is hard. Then you die. Then they throw dirt in your face. Then the worms eat you. Be grateful it happens in that order.

David Gerrold

Published by The Autistic Composter

Earthly Comforts is a wildlife journaling scrapbook focusing on the countryside, wildlife biodiversity and environmental conservation, flora and fauna volunteering projects, gardening, composting and vermiculture, inspiration, poetry and photography.

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