Redhead Worm - Lumbricus rubellus

Description

Typical size of adult is 6.5cm. The upper surface of the body, from the first segment to the saddle, is usually entirely dark in colour (reddish brown). It Sometimes flattens its tail into a paddle shape.It has a tanylobic head, closely paired setae and the clitellum on segments 26/27 to 32.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Found in most habitats and seems to have the least habitat specificity of all British earthworms. Lives in the topsoil and leaf litter, particularly in organic-rich environments.

When to see it

All year round.

UK Status

Widespread and common.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Square-tailed worms, Red Worm, Redhead
Species group:
Worms
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Crassiclitellata
Family:
Lumbricidae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
21/04/2013 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
27/04/2013 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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