Their diggings aerate soil, recycle organic matter, boost microbial activity and support plant growth
Invertebrate of the year 2024: all hail Earth’s spineless heroes
The people have spoken and the choice of Guardian readers for the final nominee for UK invertebrate of the year is resounding: all hail Lumbricus terrestris, the common earthworm.
The common earthworm – also known as the lob worm, dew worm, nightcrawler and, in Germany, the rain worm – is the soil-maker. Without its labours, we would struggle to feed ourselves.
