What Are Tiger Worms?

Tiger worms, also known as red wriggler worms, or simply redworms, are a type of composting worm. These worms, typically identified by the scientific name Eisenia fetida, are generally reddish-brown in color and often seem to have stripes, because their bodies are segmented. Tiger worms typically have no eyes or ears, but are usually able to detect heat, light, and movement in the soil around them. These worms do not have any teeth, but use a combination of digestive enzymes and small particles of debris within their bodies to break down and digest their food. Tiger worms can take in both water and air directly through their skin, and they are generally hermaphroditic, so that they can mate and reproduce without the benefit of a partner.

The species of worm commonly known as the tiger worm usually lives on the soil's surface, or no deeper below the surface than about 10 inches (25.4 centimeters). Tiger worms typically thrive best at temperatures between 68 and 77° Fahrenheit (20 to 25° Celsius). They usually can't survive temperatures higher than 90° Fahrenheit (32.2 Celsius). Tiger worms usually need plenty of moisture in their soil environment, and are said to prefer soil that contains 43 to 90 percent water. The ideal soil pH for this species of worm is believed to range from five to nine on the Blakemore pH scale.

These worms reproduce by depositing both sperm and eggs into a cocoon. Their bodies secrete a sticky substance that hardens to form this cocoon. Tiger worms are generally hermaphroditic, meaning that each individual possesses the ability to create both sperm and eggs. As a result, they are normally able to fertilize their own eggs themselves, without need of a sexual partner. The eggs generally take about two months to hatch, and the young worms will reach sexual maturity in an average of two months to ten weeks.

This species of composting worm is often bred and sold to gardeners. Worm farmers usually sell tiger worms in 2.2-pound (1-kilo) increments. These worms are believed capable of laying eggs every two weeks for up to a year, and each cocoon is believed capable of hatching up to 20 new worms. Worm farmers usually estimate that these worms will reproduce quickly in a well-suited garden environment, and they are often capable of doubling their population in about 60 to 90 days.

Tiger worms, scientifically known as Eisenia fetida, are a species of earthworm characterized by their distinctive red and yellow striped patterning. They are renowned for their efficiency in composting organic material, making them a popular choice for vermicomposting systems. These worms accelerate the breakdown of organic waste, transforming it into nutrient-rich compost.

Tiger worms play a crucial role in enhancing soil structure and fertility. As they consume and digest organic matter, they produce castings that are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These castings improve soil aeration, water retention, and provide essential nutrients for plant growth, leading to healthier and more robust plants.

While tiger worms can survive in garden soil, they thrive best in environments rich in organic matter, such as compost bins or worm farms. They prefer moist and warm conditions but are not suited to extreme temperatures. For optimal health and productivity, maintaining a controlled habitat with a balance of greens and browns is advisable.

Tiger worms are voracious eaters, consuming up to half their body weight in organic matter daily. They feed on a variety of kitchen scraps, including fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells. It's important to avoid feeding them meat, dairy, or oily foods. Feed them in small amounts regularly to prevent overfeeding and maintain a healthy bin environment.

Tiger worms reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions, which include adequate food supply, moisture, and temperature between 15°C and 25°C. A healthy worm can produce two cocoons per week, each potentially yielding up to three hatchlings. This high reproductive rate can quickly increase the population in a composting system, enhancing its efficiency.

No, tiger worms are not the same as the common earthworms typically found in gardens, which are usually from the Lumbricus genus. Tiger worms are specialized composting worms, adapted to living in decaying organic material rather than soil. They are smaller, more active, and have different feeding habits compared to their soil-dwelling cousins.