The dung worm is a reddish brown colour with a purple sheen. It is iridescent in bright light and has a red saddle. It is active when disturbed. The dung worm lives in the upper 5 cm of soil but is also found in cow pats or in horse manure. Dung worms are very common in New Zealand.
Scientific name: Lumbricus rubellus
Status: introduced
Soil niche: epigeic
Length: 25–150 mm
Image: Ross Gray
