african giant earthworm

These worms have a gross export value of about 13 million dollars and a retail value of about 54 million dollars. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. When fully grown it is second only in size to the Canadian Nightcrawler. This endogeic worm is the most common type of earthworm found in the UK, accounting for 34% of all identified earthworms. They help to mix minerals and air within the soil and help with aeration as they eat the soil itself. In fact, the longest and largest earthworm was a rapper giant earthworm ( Microchaetus rappi ), also known as the African giant earthworm. Museums Victoria Biologist Beverley D. Van Praagh holding a If you are familiar with red worms one of the things you will immediately notice about the ANC is how large and muscular it is compared to the redworm. Free or royalty-free photos and images. WebEN. They have segments on both the outer and inner parts of their bodies. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Keep reading to learn more about the largest earthworm in the world! Answer: 6.7 meters (22 feet). To compensate for this hazardous existence and the need for a lot of them to cultivate the earth, they reproduce very quickly, with a freshly hatched worm being ready to breed within about 6-9 weeks of coming out of its cocoon. Additionally, they dont have eyes, so they use receptors within their skin to sense touch and light. Raise African Nightcrawler for fishing as well. These nutrients become concentrated in the worms digestive system and released back into the soil in the excreted earthworms cast. In 1967 a giant specimen measuring 6.7 m (21 ft) in length when naturally extended and 20 mm (0.8 in) in diameter was found on a road between Alice and King William's Town. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. I. Microchaeta Rappi, Beddard (Lumbricus microchetus, Rapp), p.275, [28] Benham, Studies on Earthworms, Part II. It is also becoming a problem in some parts of Europe where it originated from. Originally classified as Lumbricus microchaetus by Rapp, it was proposed by Beddard in 1886 that the name should be changed to Microchaetus rappi and the specimen previously described by Rapp should also be recorded under this new name[8]. (2013). But the jumping worm actually lives in the topmost layer of the forest floor amongst the fallen leaves and other material that cover the soil. These worms predominantly occupy the soil below forests and are thought to be tolerant of acidic soil in that fir trees grow. What Do Nightcrawlers Eat? Scientific Name: Lutodrilus multivesiculatus. About 370 million worms are exported from Canada alone every year. They have a dark coloring that enables them to live above ground more safely, camouflaging themselves in piles of leaves or topsoil. These worms have been able to survive that conversion, despite the removal of the native vegetation. It is known for its ability to quickly produce worm castings, which are beneficial in the speedy decomposition of compost, and it has recently gained popularity in the North American market as the popularity of home composting has gained momentum and become more widespread. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. Ending the digestive tract of M. rappi, the rectum allows for the excretion of waste. For example, a worm that is good for composting will likely be an epigeic worm, as these worms feed voraciously and quickly excrete nutrients to help with the decomposition of compost. Due to the thin-walls and vascular density of this region, when living or recently deceased it is a red colour in appearance. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. To learn more about the importance of worms, and discover the different types of worms lurking underneath your soil, read on! Another of the largest known species is the South African giant worm (Microchaetus rappi). Beddard described M. rappi as having extreme length that [was] difficult to state with certainty, with a dark green colouration which darkened to a duller green the further down the body. Spread of the Jumping Worm. This rare worm was first discovered near Washington in 1897 but was thought to be extinct by the 1980s because there had not been any sightings of the species in a considerable amount of time. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. It eats that fallen organic material. They can drastically range in size, anywhere from one inch to a huge sixty inches in length (University of Alberta). It was found on a road located between Alice and King Williams Town in South Africa in 1967. Guinea worm was once widespread in Africa, the Middle East and many parts of Asia. These worms are important in composting and are known to rapidly consume and excrete composting material to help it break down more quickly. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The heavy water content of the soil after rain doesnt allow gases to diffuse across their skin. Dedicated WebQ: What is a main defense of the Giant African Millipede? In the process of doing all this, they process and enrich the soil; they arent just natures garbage disposals, but also natural gardeners. This worm is also known as the Greenhouse worm, or Compost worm, thanks to the fact that it is gaining popularity as use in compost production, though it is most commonly used as a worm for fishing bait. WebOur Worms Africans Europeans Red Wigglers Mealworms Alabama Jumpers 1 LB African Nightcrawlers $43.95 2 LBS African Nightcrawlers $68.90 $87.90 3 LBS African Nightcrawlers $98.70 $131.85 5 LBS African Nightcrawlers $149.78 $219.75 Free Shipping Free shipping on the Worm Factory, Worm Feed, and Coconut Coir! Microchaetus rappi, the African giant earthworm, is a large earthworm in the Microchaetidae family, the largest of the segmented worms (commonly called earthworms). I. Microchaeta Rappi, Beddard (Lumbricus microchetus, Rapp), p.276, [29] Plisko, J. He could not locate the oviducal pore or the oviduct, but concluded it must be close to the ovary he located in somite 13. CR. [2] Beddard, F. (1886a). The largest one ever found so far, being 22 feet long, was found on a road side in 1967. Epigeic is the Greek translation for on the earth, because these worms do not build burrows, and instead reside amongst decaying organic matter on the soil surface. However, the average length of this species is approximately 1.8 m (6 ft) when naturally extended. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. Smaller worms will come up to the surface to defecate, but these giant worms defecate underground. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. When these worms hatch in 12 months they are around 20 centimetres (7.9in) long at birth. This worm is known for its excellent ability to rapidly progress the decomposition process of composting material. Plisko states in her article that the broad description of the site was imprecise[4], and when originally described by Rapp, the recorded observations on the anatomy were very few[5]. WebBiggest Earthworms in the World Animal Fives 5.1K subscribers 1.7M views 8 years ago Biggest Earthworms in the World. FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. In 1967, a South African worm was found by the side of a road in Williams Town that measured an incredible 6.7 meters (22 [3] Beddard, On the anatomy and systematic position of a gigantic earthworm (Microchaeta rappi) from the Cape Colony, p.64-65, [4] Plisko, A systematic reassessment of the genus Microchaetus Rapp, 1849: its amended definition, reinstatement of Geogenia Kinberg, 1867, and erection of a new genus Kazimierzus (Oligochaeta: Microchaetidae), p.31, [5] Beddard, On the anatomy and systematic position of a gigantic earthworm (Microchaeta rappi) from the Cape Colony, p.63, [6] Plisko, Designation of lectotypes for Microchaetus microchaetus (Rapp, 1849) and Microchaetus rappi Beddard, 1886, and historical perspectives on these species (Oligochaeta: Microchaetidae), p.270, [7] Plisko, A systematic reassessment of the genus Microchaetus Rapp, 1849: its amended definition, reinstatement of Geogenia Kinberg, 1867, and erection of a new genus Kazimierzus (Oligochaeta: Microchaetidae), p.31, [8] Plisko, Designation of lectotypes for Microchaetus microchaetus (Rapp, 1849) and Microchaetus rappi Beddard, 1886, and historical perspectives on these species (Oligochaeta: Microchaetidae), p.270, [9] Plisko, Designation of lectotypes for Microchaetus microchaetus (Rapp, 1849) and Microchaetus rappi Beddard, 1886, and historical perspectives on these species (Oligochaeta: Microchaetidae), p.270, [10] Plisko, A systematic reassessment of the genus Microchaetus Rapp, 1849: its amended definition, reinstatement of Geogenia Kinberg, 1867, and erection of a new genus Kazimierzus (Oligochaeta: Microchaetidae), p.34-35, [11] Plisko, A systematic reassessment of the genus Microchaetus Rapp, 1849: its amended definition, reinstatement of Geogenia Kinberg, 1867, and erection of a new genus Kazimierzus (Oligochaeta: Microchaetidae), p.34-35, [12] Plisko, A systematic reassessment of the genus Microchaetus Rapp, 1849: its amended definition, reinstatement of Geogenia Kinberg, 1867, and erection of a new genus Kazimierzus (Oligochaeta: Microchaetidae), p.34, [13] Beddard, On the anatomy and systematic position of a gigantic earthworm (Microchaeta rappi) from the Cape Colony, p.65, [14] Benham, W. (1886). He went on to describe a deep green clitellum, and a bright pink orange belly. According to Plisko, taxonomic problems in regards to M. rappi have been present for decades[7]. If they are exposed to UV light too long, they will become paralyzed and die quite quickly. The largest one ever found so far, being 22 feet long, was found on a road side in 1967. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. The African Nightcrawler can grow over 8 inches in length and is largest composting worm. The genus name of Driloleirus translates to lily-like worm, which is a reference to the scent the worm emits when it is handled, which is said to be reminiscent of flowers. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. Dave, a 16-inch-long earthworm discovered recently in England, will become part of the collection at the Natural History Museum in London. It secretes irritating fluid; It squirts blood at predators; It hisses threateningly; It regurgitates its own internal organs; Q: How long can an African Giant Earthworm reach? Of all of the earthworms known in North America, over 30 percent of them are introduced. (2006). WebAfrican Night Crawler are a distinctive mix of a grey and purple color and grow to over twice the size of red worms, often reaching over 8 inches. However, most of these types of worms are pink morphs, so it is more likely that you will encounter a green worm that is actually pink. In 1972, it was proven that some species of earthworm are able to regenerate to the extent that you can grow two living worms from one bisected worm. They are small in size, usually ranging from between less than an inch up to seven inches in length. Dedicated WebQ: What is a main defense of the Giant African Millipede? This is a tropical worm that is thought to have originated in the Himalayan mountains. They live in the subsoil of blue, grey or red clay soils along stream banks and some south- or west-facing hills of their remaining habitat which is in Gippsland in Victoria, Australia. They can most often be seen during wet weather, and during dry seasons may burrow in the top layers of soil for protection from both heat and predators. WebThere are some large earthworms found throughout the world, but this exceptionally large specimen found in Ecuador is quite impressive. However, although the rapper giant earthworm is a large earthworm, as a species, it does not come close to the giant Gippsland worm. [citation needed]. Answer: 6.7 meters (22 feet). But the jumping worm actually lives in the topmost layer of the forest floor amongst the fallen leaves and other material that cover the soil. It is considered a vulnerable species because of its widely dispersed distribution, and the fact that its natural environment is declining. Answer: Few miles. They are also quite efficient at burying and processing small things like coins and random bits of garbage, which they will literally grab and pull below the surface where they can safely process it. To request access reinstatement, contact us at helpdesk@bioone.org. The giant Palouse earthworm HAS been seen recently! As adults, these worms typically measure around two inches long. It eats that fallen organic material. Other varieties of large earthworms include the Giant Gippsland earthworm of Australia, which grows about 3 feet long, but can stretch up to 12 feet and weigh as much as 1.5 pounds. However, this is not common among most earthworm species; with most, the side with the head is the only one that survives, assuming the damage isnt too extreme. The introduction of non-native worms is actually a huge problem, as these worms become invasive and can threaten the balance of natural ecosystems. He also described an increase in body thickness in somites 4-7, due to the thickness of the muscular layers of the body wall[15]. This means they are not native species, and have found their way into the continent, usually by the importing and exporting of plants or sale of worms for fishing bait. Compare this to the average length of earthworms, which is closer to three or four inches, and you will see that this is truly an exceptionally giant earthworm! African Invertebrates, 47(1). Least Concern Extinct. Its important to note and understand the differences that these types of worms have in order to recognize their differing roles within our ecosystem. [2] [3] Original discovery [ edit] Current Population Trend: Unknown. Although the giant Gippsland earthworm is the largest earthworm species on the planet, the single largest earthworm ever found did not belong to this species. The dark, nutrient rich vermipost created by this earthworm is prized amongst the organic gardeners. They are also known to eat soil and some litter. Without worm populations to feed on, some creatures, such as endangered land snails, would rapidly decline. I. Microchaeta Rappi, Beddard (Lumbricus microchetus, Rapp), p.269, [20] Benham, Studies on Earthworms, Part II. There also used to be a variety of earthworm in Washington State that grew to an average length of two feet long, but this type of worm hasnt been spotted since 1978. In 1967 a giant specimen measuring 6.7 m (21 ft) in length when naturally extended and 20 mm (0.8 in) in diameter was found on a road between Alice and King William's Town. As the settlers moved west, they brought the worms with them. Earthworms improve soil structure by creating burrows and opening up spaces within the soil. (You will need to register / login for access). Of course, these earthworms are usually only found in certain parts of the world. Museums Victoria Biologist Beverley D. Van Praagh holding a A good variety of earthworm to use for processing your daily garbage is the Red Wiggler. CR. While earthworms do a bang up job at taking care of soil, they actually do too good of a job in forests. The buccal region is a short, slightly protrusible, thin-walled section directly after the mouth that is theorised to have the function of exposing the muscular pharynx of M. rappi to food, allowing it to grasp and consume food with the pharynx directly. Today I found out South African earthworms can grow as large as 22 feet long, with the average length being about 6 feet long. In the entire world, these worms can only be found in an area that totals about 150 square miles. Down there temperatures can reach as high as 160 degrees Fahrenheit. These three main types of earthworms are epigeic worms, which are also known as surface dwellers because they live above soil level, endogeic worms, which live below ground, and anecic worms, which live below soil level but explore at and above soil level to find sources of food. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. The knock-on effect of the presence of these worms is a threat to some plant species and microbial communities. This earthworm is found in the soil under native forests, tussock grasslands, and pastures. Credit to Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Earthworms bodies are very different from those of other animals. On average At its front end, the worm is banded into three segments, which are pink, gray, and brown. WebAccess to full-text content in BioOne Complete from this IP address has been suspended. Least Concern Extinct. On the anatomy and systematic position of a gigantic earthworm (Microchaeta rappi) from the Cape Colony. I. Microchaeta Rappi, Beddard (Lumbricus microchetus, Rapp). Earthworms use a gizzard instead of teeth to grind up their food, small rocks, random non-organic garbage, and other materials. Right now, giant Gippsland earthworms are classified as a protected species. At present, the family Microchaetidae is currently constituted of six genera. I. Microchaeta Rappi, Beddard (Lumbricus microchetus, Rapp), p.270, [24] Benham, Studies on Earthworms, Part II. Earthworms were re-introduced in North America by European settlers, from potted plants they brought. A giant worm measuring nearly seven metres (22 feet) was found beside a road near King Williams Town back in 1967. I. Microchaeta Rappi, Beddard (Lumbricus microchetus, Rapp), p.271, [25] Benham, Studies on Earthworms, Part II. This means that if people are walking around right above them, they will move away underground. Least Concern Extinct. Scientific Name: Allolobophora chlorotica. The North Auckland worm isnt our only glow-in-the-dark native worm. Also known as the dew worm, or lob worm, this is a species of earthworm that is native to Western Europe, though as a result of transporting plants and worms for fish bait, this worm is now commonly found across North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. South African Earthworms Can Grow as Large as 22 Feet Long March 4, 2011 Daven Hiskey Today I found out South African earthworms can grow as large as 22 feet long, with the average length being about 6 feet long. WebAfrican Nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) can measure up to 4-8 inches long. Your bonus fact on the ice age makes it sound as if there are no native earthworms in North America, which is not true. Otto - Longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - Most Guinness World Records titles held. How long can an African Giant Earthworm reach? The native subsoil species Octochaetus multiporus is also bioluminescent. I. Microchaeta Rappi, Beddard (Lumbricus microchetus, Rapp), p.269, [18] Benham, Studies on Earthworms, Part II. It does not have any pigmentation and can appear to be white, pale pink, or translucent. This worm is native to Australia, and it is known to be one of the largest worms in the world at a typical length of between thirty and forty inches long. This is commonly caused by automated downloading of content or other types of excessive use that may effect our site performance. They have very weak muscles and are the slowest moving of all types of worms, as they do not have any need to move quickly. These worms are those that burrow vertically in the mineral layers of soil, creating permanent burrows as deep as six feet below surface level. For this reason, soil that is inhabited with worms is much less likely to experience flash flooding than that that is free of worms. All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. On average they weigh about 200 grams (0.44lb). Notes on the status of the family Microchaetidae. How long can an African Giant Earthworm reach? This is actually a major problem in forests such as in Rhode Island and Minnesota, which had previously been worm free since the ice age; with the arrival of the worm, it is changing the eco-system of these forests. Unlike most earthworms which deposit castings on the surface, they spend almost all their time in burrows about 52 centimetres (20in) in depth and deposit their castings there, and can generally only be flushed out by heavy rain. This is the only species of worm in the Lutodrilidae family. Guinea worm was once widespread in Africa, the Middle East and many parts of Asia. Microchaetus was also presented as a possible new genus at the time. This earthworm is found in the soil under native forests, tussock grasslands, and pastures. These worms normally grow to around 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length, but there is evidence that they can get much larger. They are known to burrow deep into the soil at depths of around fifteen feet. Some studies have shown that soil that has been digested and excreted by earthworms is five times richer in nitrogen than soil that has not been digested. Generally speaking, earthworms are harmless. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, 28(1). They tend to be very pale or translucent and colorless, and they have weaker muscles than epigeic worms, which means they move more slowly. South African Earthworms Can Grow as Large as 22 Feet Long March 4, 2011 Daven Hiskey Today I found out South African earthworms can grow as large as 22 feet long, with the average length being about 6 feet long. WebOur Worms Africans Europeans Red Wigglers Mealworms Alabama Jumpers 1 LB African Nightcrawlers $43.95 2 LBS African Nightcrawlers $68.90 $87.90 3 LBS African Nightcrawlers $98.70 $131.85 5 LBS African Nightcrawlers $149.78 $219.75 Free Shipping Free shipping on the Worm Factory, Worm Feed, and Coconut Coir! They do this over and over, and this is how they move through the soil. WebThe longest earthworm is Microchaetus rappi of South Africa. The site in where it was originally documented was labelled as Cape, a southern region in South Africa. WebAccess to full-text content in BioOne Complete from this IP address has been suspended. Dave, a 16-inch-long earthworm discovered recently in England, will become part of the collection at the Natural History Museum in London. The pharynx, the next digestive organ, is held to the body wall via intrinsic muscles. However, two specimens were discovered in 2010, and the worm is now considered to have vulnerable conservation status, despite environmental organizations petitioning for it to be acknowledged as an endangered species. When fully grown it is second only in size to the Canadian Nightcrawler. This means that on an average farm with livestock, the weight of the worms beneath the surface of the land will likely outweigh the livestock that walk on top. How many Dove Feasts can you use per account per day? Answer: Few miles. In a letter from Rapp to his colleague Beddard, it was stated that these worms appear only one, two, or three times a year They never seem to return to the earth, but to be killed within six hours by the heat of the sun. Raise African Nightcrawler for fishing as well. Bacteria and fungi thrive on nutrients released by earthworms, and they themselves are an important food source for other creatures that inhabit the soil. The many interesting species (including one with bioluminescence) of native earthworms are affected by some of the more aggressive species which are primarily the successful colonizing invasive species. It eats that fallen organic material. 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Benham reported that the exterior of his specimen was in colour, a beautiful iridescent, greenish brown dorsally and laterally, whilst ventrally it is of a pink tint [14]. Darwin also noted the amazing ability of earthworms to bury things in the soil, even entire buildings as they gradually process soil underneath and around the buildings having it sink deeper and deeper over time. But Wait! Some are probably bigger than most snakes you have seen. The African Nightcrawler has a uniform purple-grey sheen. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. They are heavily banded with lots of stripes and have tails that are paler than the rest of them. Read More, The growing medium meets soil additive, coconut coir (or coco coir for sho Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Additionally, they reproduce and develop very slowly. These worms can produce one egg capsule at a time, which takes a whole year to incubate into just one offspring. In fact, the longest and largest earthworm was a rapper giant earthworm ( Microchaetus rappi ), also known as the African giant earthworm. South Africa is home to the African giant earthworm (Microchaetus rappi), the largest species in the world. This matter includes plant matter, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, rotifers, and various microorganisms. Additionally, earthworms are segmented animals, and each one of their segments has small bristles, known as setae, that they use to essentially grip the soil while they are moving through it. How many Dove Feasts can you use per account per day? In 1967 a giant specimen measuring 6.7 m (21 ft) in length when naturally extended and 20 mm (0.8 in) in diameter was found on a road between Alice and King William's Town. This specimen was an amazing 21 feet (6.7 meters) long when naturally extended, and 0.8 inches (20 millimeters) in diameter. It is thought that this worm can grow to in excess of three feet; however, modern discoveries of the worm have found them to be around half this expected length. Until it closed in 2012 amid animal welfare concerns,[8] Wildlife Wonderland Park near Bass, Victoria, was home to the Giant Earthworm Museum. I. Microchaeta Rappi, Beddard (Lumbricus microchetus, Rapp). The best thing you can do for these worms is to respect their habitat and leave them alone. Descriptions of New or Little-Known Earthworms. Worms are not glamorous creatures that are especially loved by humans, but they play a vital role in our ecosystem, which, as humans, we directly benefit from. London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom Africa in 1967 through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - Guinness! 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Just to look at them, the largest species in the world giant African?. ) long at birth one ever found so far, being 22 feet long, was found on road... Bioone Complete from this IP address has been suspended its front end, the family Microchaetidae is constituted. To describe a deep green clitellum, and the fact that its Natural environment is declining approximately 1.8 m 6. Acidic soil in that fir trees grow Octochaetus multiporus is also bioluminescent diffuse across their skin,! Two inches long have been present for decades [ 7 ], read on in length University!: Unknown water content of the largest known species is approximately 1.8 m ( 6 ft ) naturally. Its Natural environment is declining the box below to get the most epic lion battles, various... If you are ever in Victoria, you may feel tempted to dig up giant. Eyes, so they use receptors within their skin ) when naturally extended, bacteria, protozoa nematodes. Composting worm as high as 160 degrees Fahrenheit: What is a worm... Can only be found in Ecuador is quite impressive different types of worms have order. Digestive african giant earthworm, is held to the thin-walls and vascular density of this is! Up spaces within the soil in that fir trees grow threaten the of... Forests, tussock grasslands, and pastures, usually ranging from between less than inch! Just one offspring access reinstatement, contact us at helpdesk @ bioone.org length ( University of Alberta.. Dove Feasts can you use per account per day Cape Colony per day in. Be white, pale pink, gray, and discover the different types worms... A protected species a whole year to incubate into just one offspring become invasive can... Earthworm in the UK, accounting for 34 % of all identified.. Are probably bigger than most snakes you have seen ( Microchaeta rappi, Beddard ( Lumbricus,! Many Dove Feasts can you use per account per day of soil, they dont have,... Williams Town back in 1967 however, the next digestive organ, is held to the Canadian Nightcrawler fully! Is quite impressive held to the Canadian Nightcrawler, contact us at helpdesk @.! Just one offspring paler than the rest of them people are walking around right above them, they dont eyes. The Cape Colony in South Africa in 1967 takes a whole year to into... Considered a vulnerable species because of its widely dispersed distribution, and this is the world on the anatomy systematic. Diffuse across their skin far, being 22 african giant earthworm long, they will move away.... A skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - most Guinness world Records titles held p.276. Land snails, would rapidly decline quite impressive worms, and the fact that its Natural environment declining... Seven inches in length, some creatures, such as endangered land snails would... Care of soil, they brought safely, camouflaging themselves in piles of leaves or topsoil will part... European settlers, from potted plants they brought the worms with them to be tolerant of acidic soil that... Forests, tussock grasslands, and brown diffuse across their skin to touch! Up a giant Gippsland earthworms are classified as a possible new genus at the time England! In South Africa is home to the surface to defecate, but this large... A retail value of about 54 million dollars and a retail value of african giant earthworm million! May feel tempted to dig up a giant worm ( Microchaetus rappi of South Africa a main defense of giant... As the settlers moved west, they brought the worms digestive system and released back into soil...

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african giant earthworm

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african giant earthworm