Red Worm Egg Capsules
Worms reproduce by a fascinating method which also helps ensure their future existence. Earthworms lay egg capsules in the soil usually near a good source of food. The neat thing about these egg capsules is their ability to survive harsh conditions that would kill adult earthworms. Earthworm egg capsules can survive freezing, and dry conditions for extended periods of time. The egg capsules will wait for more favorable conditions to hatch.
Adult worms in favorable conditions will lay between 2-4 egg capsules per month. Worms are hermaphrodites and must mate before laying. I have never seen a worm “blowing” an egg capsule, but a colleague of mine tells me it looks like someone blowing a bubble out their mouth. Each egg capsule can hatch from 3-7 worms (Eisenia fetida). The worm egg capsules are bright golden yellow when first laid and progressively turn brownish red before hatching. Eisenia fetida egg capsules will hatch in about 21 days under ideal conditions and at about 80 degrees. The eggs hatch faster at warmer temperatures than what adult worms prefer.
This is great! I just spent several hrs today harvesting castings from my 2 bins, and really got to see the egg capsules well for the first time. I also saw many tiny little worm-like critters–about 2-3mm long and pale white–I assumed they were newly-hatched worms (they were also very averse to light), but was not sure. They seemed to occur in groups of 3-4 in an area. If they’re not worms, what are they?
Hello, that is great that you are having such great success with your worms. The little white worms could be grindal worms. They are not a problem, but could indicate just a little too much water. Add a little shredded paper and they should go away.