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How big is a Common Earthworm?

A Common Earthworm is 40 millimeters

Introduction: A Marvelous Minibeast

Have you ever wondered about the tiny creatures that live beneath our feet? Today, we’re going to take a closer look at one of them: the common earthworm, also known by its scientific name, Lumbricus terrestris. These creatures might seem small and simple, but they play a massive role in our ecosystem.

Size of the Common Earthworm

One of the first things people want to know about the common earthworm is how big it is. On average, these little wrigglers can grow to be about 20 to 25 centimeters long when fully extended. That’s about the length of a standard ruler! However, like all living things, their size can vary. Some might be a little shorter, while others could even be longer.

Size Comparison: Earthworm vs. Everyday Objects

To help you picture just how big a common earthworm is, let’s compare it to some things you might be familiar with.

  • Pencil: An average pencil is around 19 centimeters long, so a fully extended earthworm is slightly longer than this.
  • Dollar Bill: A U.S. dollar bill measures 15.6 centimeters in length. That means a common earthworm is about 1.3 times as long!
  • Smartphone: The size of smartphones can vary, but an iPhone 12, for instance, is about 14.7 centimeters long. A common earthworm can be almost twice as long as this!

Earthworms: Small, but Mighty

Even though earthworms might seem small compared to us, they play an enormous role in our ecosystem. They are nature’s soil engineers! As they burrow through the ground, they help to mix the soil, which improves its quality and helps plants grow.

The Giant Among Earthworms

Though our common earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, might seem impressive in size, they’re not the biggest earthworms out there. The giant Gippsland earthworm from Australia can grow up to 3 meters long - that’s longer than most people are tall!

Conclusion: Embracing the Small Things

So, next time you see a common earthworm wriggling about after a rainstorm, take a moment to appreciate it. These creatures might be small, but they’re mighty important – and pretty impressive in size, too! They’re a perfect example of why we should never underestimate the small things in life.

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