Under ideal conditions your worms can double in volume every 90 days. The average incubation period for our worms is between 30 and 80 days, depending on environmental conditions. Once the new worms hatch, it'll take them 8 to 10 weeks to become sexually mature and begin producing cocoons...and the cycle continues, on and on. Your poundage should double every 3 to 4 months, as long as they have adequate space, food, moisture, and bin temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees F.
A sexually mature worm will always be 'banded'(see the mature/immature photo at bottom of page),the ring,or band on the mature worm is called the clitellum. When two worms mate, they each go off and deposit egg capsules..each capsule will contain one to 20 young, but the average survival rate is between three and four per capsule. The newly deposited egg will look like a small lemon, and be pale in color; as the blood supply increases, the color will deepen, and can be nearly black before hatching.(see the accompanying photos)
Reproduction Rates By Species Kelly Slocum
Our thanks to Ms.Kelly Slocum.....
Following are the maximum reproducive rates of a few worm species under ideal conditions, and their environmental requirements:
Eisenia fetida (foetida)/Eisenia andrei Common names: redworm, tiger worm, manure worm
Maximum reproduction under ideal condtions:
3.8 cocoons per adult per week 83.2% hatching success rate 3.3 hatchlings per cocoon Net reproduction of 10.4 young per adult per week
Maximum growth rate under ideal conditions: 32-73 days to cocoon hatch 53-76 days to sexual maturity 85-149 days from egg to maturity
Temperature requirements (°F): Minimum 38° Maximum 95° Ideal range 70-80°
Heat tolerance is dependant on moisture level E. fetida is extremely tolerant of environmental fluctuation and handling and is the species identified by research as the most effective for vermicomposting in the widest range of feedstocks and environments.
Perionyx excavatus Common names: blue worm, Indian blue, Malaysian blue, Spike tail.
Maximum reproduction under ideal condtions: 19.5 cocoons per adult per week 90.7% hatching success rate 1.1 hatchlings per cocoon Net reproduction of 19.4 young per adult per week
Maximum growth rate under ideal conditions: 16-21 days to cocoon hatch 29-55 days to sexual maturity 45-76 days from egg to maturity
Temperature requirements (°F): Minimum 45-50° Maximum 90° Ideal range 70-80°
Heat tolerance is dependant on moisture level P. excavatus cannot tolerate cold temps for even brief periods of time and does not tolerate environmental fluctuation or handling. It is most frequently used in tropical regions where it is naturalized and is found naturally only in areas along the gulf coast of the US. If used in most areas of north America this worm requires temperature controlled environments.
Eudrilus eugeniae Common names: African nightcrawler, giant nightcrawler
Maximum reproduction under ideal condtions: 3.6 cocoons per adult per week 81% hatching success rate 2.3 hatchlings per cocoon Net reproduction of 6.7 young per adult per week
Maximum growth rate under ideal conditions: 13-27 days to cocoon hatch 32-95 days to sexual maturity 43-122 days from egg to maturity
Temperature requirements (°F): Minimum 45° Maximum 95° Ideal 75-82°
Heat tolerance is dependant on moisture level. This worm species is a very large worm that is often grown for bait. It requires a temperature controlled environment in most areas of north America as it cannot tolerate cold for even brief periods and does not tolerate handling.
Eisenia hortensis (Dendrobaena veneta) Common names: Belgian nightcrawler, European nightcrawler
Maximum reproduction under ideal condtions: 1.6 cocoons per adult per week 81.2% hatching success rate 1.1 hatchlings per cocoon Net reproduction of 1.4 young per adult per week
Maximum growth rate under ideal conditions: 40-128 days to cocoon hatch 57-86 days to sexual maturity 97-214 days from egg to maturity
Temperature requirements (°F): Minimum 38° Maximum 90° Ideal 60-70°
Heat tolerance is dependant on moisture level. This worm is very tolerant of environmental fluctuation and handling, but has a slower reproductive rate and requires very high moisture levels, relative to other worm species.
Kelly Slocum Chief Science Officer, Vice President Bon Terra, Inc. phone 360.253.5465 fax 360.253.5466 email kelly@bonterra.net http://www.bonterra.net
