Why Do Earthworms Come Out In The Rain
What's up all you earthworms?
First I’m glad it’s raining and rainy days and Monday’s don’t always get me down, especially if it is on a Thursday. Ok a bit corny but this is my blog.
So why do earthworms come out in the rain? After a bit of reasearch there were several answers none of which too exciting. Of course we know these fish bait creatures live under ground in little holes and tunnels and make what we call “worm dirt” which is a good thing. Especially if you are gardening.
Before I get to the answer of why do earthworms come out in the rain, lets first talk a bit more about rain itself. It’s all wet. Well it is so don’t be saying “duh.”
On with the answer. Earthworms a need moist environment for their survival. They mainly live underground to avoid sunlight, as sunlight removes the moisture from their skin. They would pretty much dry up and die if they were in the sunlight too long. (I’m sure you’ve seen those crispy ones on the sidewalks.) Earthworms need a moist environment for diffusion of gases through their skin. In other words they have to toot.
They are often seen above the ground after a heavy rain. There are many theories about this behavior of earthworms and one opinion is that the amount of oxygen dissolved in water is less than that in the air. So, earthworms come above ground when their burrows get filled with rainwater and pass a little gas.
Hey if you don’t believe me, look it up. Why do earthworms come out in the rain. Be sure you come back and read the rest of this after you check it out.
Another reason for coming above ground may be the fact that due to respiratory activities of organisms living underground, the level of carbon dioxide increases. This carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid with rain water. So, to avoid such a harmful acidic environment, they come out to the surface.
Speaking of rain, can you imagine how Noah felt having to build the ark and no rain in sight. Talk about having faith in God. And true to His word, it rained. And you guessed it, two earthworms were on the ark.
So does it really matter as to why do earthworms come out in the rain? Not to most of the inhabitants of this fine earth, but the Robins are happy they do. Yummy.
So there you have it, my answer to why do earthworms come out in the rain. To pass a little gas before becoming bird food.
[...] We all know how valuable earthworms are for our gardens but have you ever thought why do earthworms come out in the rain? [...]