Some of these earthworms are associated with upland areas of rainforest growing on volcanic soils, such as Terriswalkeris terraereginae, found in the mountains behind Cairns in Far North Queensland. In Australia, all of these species belong to the Family Megascolecidae. Size is relative, of course when we think of large earthworms (or terrestrial Oligochaetes), we are perhaps considering species growing in excess of 30cm or one foot or so in length. This little-known zoological morsel is easily overlooked when one considers the more charismatic elements of the fauna that usually rate a mention - such as koalas and kangaroos. Geoff Dyne, Assistant Director, Queensland Section, Australian Government Natural Research Management Team (and more importantly, earthwormologist), generously provided me with the following information about Australia's formidable Oligochaetes.Īustralia is home to some of the largest earthworms in the world. I knew Zooillogix readers would want to know more about this fascinating critter but could find almost no information online. This otherworldly Australian earthworm, Terriswalkeris terraereginae, not only looks likes delicious candy, but the mucin it releases is luminescent, and it grows up to 2 meters long. Via a circuitous route, prompted by a friend of Zooillogix, Tweet Gainsborough-waring, I found myself looking at the picture below.
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