The scientific name for redworms is Eisenia Foetida. 

• Eisenia Foetida is the most common type of composting worm.

• Eisenia Foetida is a species of earthworm that is adapted to living in decaying organic material.

• Redworms live 2 to 5 years!

• Redworms don't have lungs- they breath through their skin which requires a moist, but not too wet environment.

• Worms have a brain and five hearts.

• Worms don't have eyes or ears but are very sensitive to vibrations.

• When handled roughly, they produce a pungent (stinky) liquid.

A pound of redworms averages out to about 1000 worms, depending on the size of the worms.

• Every day redworms eat enough food to equal about half their body weight. A young worm eats more than an adult worm.

• Worm "wastes" called castings help make the perfect compost.

• Below 50 F, redworms really slow down, below 33 F they can die.

• They don't like a vibrating home, keep them away from the laundry facilities.

• Redworms like a close to neutral pH in their bedding- pH 6-7.

• Redworms are hermaphroditic-  both male and female, but they require a partner for breeding.

• A red wiggler begins to breed when it is 6 to12 weeks old .

• Breeding worms have a ring about a third of the way down their body.

• An adult redworm lays one to three light yellow or reddish egg capsules (or cocoons)  per week.

• It can take anywhere from 20 to 70 days for capsules to hatch- depending on the bin conditions.

• Each egg capsule produces 2 to 12 worms.