Earthworm Vs. Red Wigglers

"Earthworm" is a generic term that can refer to any annelid (segmented worm) that burrows into soil and is a member of the class Oligochaeta. The red wiggler is a type of earthworm that is popularly sold for use in compost bins or as bait for fish.

The red wiggler (Eisenia fetida) originated in Europe. It is a rusty brown earthworm that grows to about 3 inches in length. Eisenia fetida may also be called a red tiger worm because of the alternating yellow and maroon bands of color down the length of its body.

Red wigglers and night crawlers (Lumbricus terrestris) are the most frequently marketed earthworms for compost bins. But according to a composting fact sheet published by Washington State University, red wigglers adapt the best to a compost box environment.

Red wigglers and night crawlers are commonly sold as fish bait. Some anglers prefer night crawlers because they are large, which makes them easier to place on a fish hook. Others prefer red wigglers because, as their name suggests, they stay alive and wiggle about in the water for longer periods of time.

According to Jonathan Crowe, author of an article on feeding garter snakes, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that red wigglers should not be used as food for snakes. The red wiggler diet may produce substances toxic to snakes and potentially other pets as well.

According to an article published by the Great Lakes Worm Watch, earthworms can have a negative impact on hardwood forests and should not be released into non-native environments. Worms used for fishing bait should be discarded into water, not onto the ground. Worm castings from compost bins should be frozen to kill earthworms before use in the garden.