Earthworms — the engineers of the soil

Exploring earthworm climate preferences, feeding habitats, reproduction and development

Earthworms cannot regulate their body temperature and are extremely intolerant of drought. They are active only when the soil is moist as they breathe through their skin and quickly lose water if the soil dries out (Orgiazzi et al., 2016).

• Drought and heat: When conditions are very dry and hot, many earthworms retreat to deeper soil layers and enter estivation (summer dormancy) (Eijsackers, 2011).
• Peak activity: Earthworms are most active in spring and autumn, when moisture and temperature are optimal.