Night crawler

Types of Night Crawlers

The terms ""night crawler"" and ""evening spider"" broadly refer to earthworms that disperse and feed during the night. All species of night crawlers listed here have similar shapes and features but differ in specific habitats and sizes.

• Lumbricus terrestris

  This species, also known as the commonly discovered earthworm, is found across the globe and measures seven to eight inches when fully grown. It possesses a pink body with a lighter underbelly. The worm also has a round posterior part and noticeable segments. Ideally, the Lumbricus thrives in well-drained and moist soils and feeds primarily on decaying organic materials like leaves and plant matter. During the winter season, they bury themselves deep underground to escape frost.

• Lumbricus rubellus

  Unlike Lumbricus terrestris, this species of earthworm is smaller and measures about three to four inches. Lumbricus rubellus, commonly known as red worm or red scraps, has a reddish-pink body. It is mostly found in the topsoil and prefers living in decaying organic matter like compost. These worms thrive in warm temperatures and are often utilized in small-scale fishing bait businesses due to their ability to wiggle vigorously when captured.

• Amynthas agrestis

  This species, also referred to as the Asian jumping worm or crazy worm, is native to East Asia but has dispersed to many states in North America. Amynthas agrestis measures two to five inches in length and exhibits a grayish to brownish tint body, with a distinctive light band (esophageal collar) around it. The worms have a unique movement style that resembles jumping, furthering the name ""jumping night crawlers. The Agrestis prefers loose, sandy, and dry soil found in forests, fields, and gardens. These earthworms are known to consume organic matter at a much higher rate compared to other species, leading to rapid nutrient recycling in the soil.

• Amynthas hupeiensis

  Similar to its relative, Amynthas agrestis, Amynthas hupeiensis is another species that is originally from East Asia. However, this species is found mostly in the southern and eastern parts of the U.S. It is commonly referred to as the iheard worm or Asian Earthworm. They thrive in well-drained soils with lots of organic material. These earthworms are reddish-brown and somewhat larger than Amynthas agrestis. Also, Ameynthas hupeiensis has a smoother and shinier texture. During the day, they wiggle and stay on the ground surface. Amynthas hupeiensis are found in agricultural fields, gardens, forests, and wetlands.

• Octolasion cyaneum

  This species can also be referred to as the blue worm or greyish-blue. It is a native European earthworm species that have invaded North America and is widely distributed throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Octolasion cyaneum thrives in deeper soils as well as in moist and alkaline soil. Besides, they are segmented and possess a greyish-blue body. The species can survive in cooler temperatures, and so, they are mostly found in northern climates compared to other Asian species of night crawlers. Additionally, blue worms play an essential role in soil health because they are long-lived and burrow deep into the soil.

Specification and maintenance of Night Crawler

Specification of the night crawler:

• Length: The average length of a night crawler is 6 to 10 inches. However, they can grow as long as 14 inches, depending upon the weather and soil conditions.
• Diameter: The diameter of a night crawler is about the width of a pencil. Most of those found in North America are 0.3 to 0.5 inches in diameter.
• Color: Adult night crawlers are yellowish-brown to reddish-brown. Recently born night crawlers can be very light, almost translucent.
• Segments: Night crawlers have 80 to 90 segments. The front part, known as the prostomium, has no bristles and is more bulbous. The second part is a clitellum, which works as a reproductive body.

Maintenance:

• Temperature: It is important to know that night crawlers are not temperature hardy. They often survive in the range of 32 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Their activity and reproduction depend on temperature. Therefore, when taking care of them, it is important to ensure the temperature is perfect for them to thrive and reproduce.
• Soil: Nigh crawlers need soil for shelter and food. When in captivity, it is best to keep them in a soil-like organic matter, such as peat moss or coir, to replicate their natural habitat and give them proper nutrition. Some commercial night crawler products replicate organic matter to maintain the perfect condition for the crawlers when they are used as bait.
• Water: Earthworms need moisture to carry on their bodily functions. Night crawlers don't have lungs, so they need to be moist to absorb oxygen from the surrounding soil and air. Therefore, it is imperative to keep their environment damp but not flooded.
• Space: Night crawlers need room to move about and stay active. If they are kept in a small container with no space, they will die. When storing them, always ensure the container is well-made, chemical-free, and has holes for air circulation.

Scenarios of night crawlers

With the help of night crawler customers, numerous businesses and industries now put them to good use for a variety of purposes.

• Fishing industry

  The fishing industry is a huge market that heavily relies on various types of bait to catch different species. Night crawlers serve as a primary and widely used bait, especially for freshwater fishing enthusiasts who target fish like bass, trout, catfish, and walleyes. Compared to other baits, they are inexpensive, highly effective, and readily available. Their effectiveness in attracting fish has made them a staple bait for both commercial and recreational fishermen.

• Agriculture

  Night crawlers also play a vital role in the agricultural sector as they are harvested and sold to farms where crops are grown. These farms utilize night crawlers for two reasons: first, they assist in breaking down organic matter, thereby producing valuable compost, and second, they enhance soil health by improving its structure and increasing nutrient levels. By investing in night crawler production, farmers can ensure better yields and more robust crops thanks to the worms' natural contributions to the ecosystem.

• Scientific research and education

  Night crawlers have been studied extensively by scientists, leading to greater understanding of their behavior, reproduction, and ecological impact. As a result, night crawers contribute greatly to scientific research and education. Notably, they serve as model organisms for various educational programs and hands-on workshops designed to teach children and adults alike about worm anatomy, physiology, and life cycles. Such initiatives foster public awareness of invertebrates' importance to ecosystems while advancing knowledge on these creatures.

• Pet industry

  The pet industry has expanded significantly in recent years, and night crawlers are now an essential component of it. Particularly for pet owners who keep reptiles and amphibians as pets, customers need to purchase night crawler feeders to sustain their animals. Geckos, anoles, frogs, and other similar pets require a diet that includes night crawlers for proper growth and health. Additionally, night crawers serve as a valuable food source for exotic pets such as snakes and tarantulas. These creatures often have difficulty digesting larger prey items, making worms an ideal meal option.

How to Choose Night Crawlers

Wholesale night crawlers for fishing should meet certain requirements of their customers. Make a checklist of the most important things to be considered before purchasing:

• Night crawler size chart: Determine what kind of crawlers will be sold based on the size chart. It is important to know the specific target market and their demands.
• Crawlers lifespan: Stock up on those crawlers that have a longer and healthy lifespan as customers would want their crawlers to last longer.
• Crawlers health: Choose night crawlers that are active and healthy. Their movement should give an impression of liveliness. This would impact the customer's satisfaction in a positive way.
• Packaging: The packaging of the crawlers also matters when choosing wholesale suppliers. Go for those that offer secure and breathable packaging. This would ensure the crawlers' safety and well-being during transportation.
• Wholesale price: This is a crucial factor when selecting a wholesale supplier. It is important that the price enables a reasonable profit margin when reselling the product.
• Minimum order quantity: Choose a supplier whose minimum order quantity aligns with a budget. This would ensure financial feasibility and the ability to meet customer's demands.
• Reputation and reviews: A supplier's reputation and customer reviews should not be overlooked. Go for those that have positive feedback from other businesses. This would give a sense of assurance in the supplier's reliability.
• Customer service: A good night crawler wholesale supplier offers exceptional customer service and support. They should be reachable and willing to assist with any inquiries or issues that may arise throughout the business relationship.

Q&A

Q1: How do night crawlers help the economy?

A1: The night crawlers fit well into the economic model because they can be bred easily and large numbers can be produced in a small space. They are a low-cost product that has a large market because they improve rodent and fish sales.

Q2: What is the world market size for earthworms?

A2: The global earthworm market was valued at USD 19.23 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.43% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Q3: What other uses do night crawlers have?

A3: Night crawlers have a number of uses besides fishing. They are used in natural fertilizer production, they improve soil quality, and they help the agriculture sector tremendously. Some farmers also sell them for a profit. Their low breeding requirements make them an ideal product to sell for additional income.

Q4: How can someone tell a night crawler from a regular earthworm?

A4: Night crawlers are large and vary in color from pink to purple and reddish hues. They can grow up to 8 inches in length, and their ability to live deeper in the soil makes them different from regular earthworms. Their large size and unique burrowing pattern help to distinguish them immediately.