If we have 2 species of earthworms Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae in a culture how can we differentiate them visually without conducting dissection. Are there any differentiating features?
Eisenia fetida is much smaller and slightly striped (red, with yellowish intersegments). E. eugeniae larger, usually overall red but the main difference in is in the position of the clitellum. In E. fetida it is on 27-32 segments but in Eudrilus eugeniae it is closer to the head on 14-17, also it has two large slits ventrolaterally on 14, the first clitellar segment, (these are the combined female+spermathecal pores.)
Thanks for the information. Could you please tell what will be the length of Eudrilus Eugeniae?
It is usually 12-15 cm, but if the feeding substance is suitable it can grow a bit larger.
In alive its rec colour has a bit shining buish look.
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