How can you tell Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus rubellus worms apart?

Question

I specifically am looking for Eisenia worms for composting, but it seems that suppliers tend to mix species, and rubellus as well as fetida are found in manure piles as well.

What are some obvious physical differences so I can tell them apart?

Answer 1

Hi, mate. Scientists have tested this in the laboratory and have now approved of this new technique to composting: worm composting. Particularly, the red worm variety are the ones capable of doing this new feat. Finally, they found a new way to make use of worms aside from being the main dish in Fear Factor. Some of us may have goosebumps upon imagining the sight of creepy crawlies-- it truly is more than enough to give any average person the heebie jeebies.

Answer 2

We ID'd them in college, but I forgot the details, so had to look em up again.

The most obvious difference is that Eisenia foetida has a lighter colored tail tip, but also it is striped, having alternating light and dark bands when stretched out.

http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/wormwa...