Kitchen Garden Forum

Didn't know where to post this, so here we are.

Why do worms tie themselves in knots?? I keep finding them all knotted up (some multiply knotted) when I'm digging. They look like elastic bands that have been stretched and then let go.

Dear Goldilox, the only times i have come across this before is when it has been very dry.
I thought they were doing it to try and conserve moisture.

Having just looked this up on Google, it appears OH is right (as usual ).

I'm sure Alan will find a link to tell us all about it

Chantal

Believe you me - I had already looked and failed. But I can't resist a challenge, so here you are



and now unknotted



And a little poem

And some scientific stuff
(Warning: contains images of a sexual nature)

All backs up Professor Herby's explanation; what the worms are doing in "aestivating" -

"Though small, earthworms are fighters. They have developed certain survival strategies which help them cope with nasty environmental conditions. When the weather gets cold and the soil starts to freeze, earthworms move deeper down and overwinter in a state called aestivation. To aestivate, the earthworm generates a natural antifreeze and then curls up in a little knot. Earthworms also aestivate when conditions become dry or hot."

I knew I could rely on you Alan

hi goldilox
another reason for worms to appear knotted up is when they are mating worms are hermaphrodites and appear to be knotted together when in 'the act'. I have a piccy but havent sussed out how to add a photo to the posting [/url]

Well - maybe it wasn't such a stupid question after all
Love the poem, and now I know all about worms. You're probably right about the hot dry conditions too - I've just been digging a bed that hadn't been used for a while, so consequently hadn't been watered. And it has been very dry and warm lately (we had 31 deg. two afternoons last week).
Sorry Newbie - don't think they were mating, there was only one worm in each knot.
Thanks all - I'll go and finish digging now and then get my garlic in.
Chris

Eeeeeuuuuwwwww....worm porn...

Sorry
it's bit much on a Sunday morning, Alan

...no comment...

...oh, yes; everything else you ever wanted to know about earthworms

I wonder if the authorities have thought about this as an aid to the new lessons for 5 year olds? Boy, might they get some weird ideas (Hee hee )

Well i was nearly retired before i realised that women don't get pregnant by merely kissing them.

Maybe i haven't got as many children about as i first thought.

oldherbaceous wrote:Well i was nearly retired ...

At last, a clue to your age OH. Perhaps you're not in your 20s with a window box after all