Allolobophora chlorotica
This species is an endogeic earthworm very common throughout Britain and can be found all year round. Allolobophora chlorotica or "Green Worm" is usually located within the topsoil of habitats ranging from woodlands and grasslands to your own garden and feeds on the soil of the sub-surface.
Exists as two colour morphs: pink and green.
This species stands out amongst the other earthworms due to the presence of three pairs of 'sucker like' discs on the underside of the clitellum.
The Allolobophora chlorotica species can be found in many different habitat; although, neutral to base rich environments are preferable and acidic woodlands, including pine, are avoided.
The two colour morphs can be found in different habitats. The pink form is mainly found in woodlands and gardens, preferring drier conditions than it's green counterpart. Whereas, the green form can be found in many habitats but dominates the grasslands, preferring wetter conditions.
External identifying characteristics include:
The clitellum usually starts on between segment 29 through to 37, rarely starting on 28
Tubercula pubertatis (TP) are the pairs of sucker-like lumps (discs) and they appear on segments 31, 33, 35
Closely paired setae
Epibolic head shape
Yellow ring sometimes located close to the head
Male pores: segment 15 encroaching onto 14 and 16
Between 30-80mm in length and 2-7mm diameter.