Lumbricus rubellus naturally lives in soils high in organic matter, preferably dung and feces.

[2] This is attributable to the effects of intense light, such as drying and a lack of food sources found above ground for earthworms.

Negative responses are caused by acid and alkaloids (at certain levels), while polyphenol sensitivity identifies different food sources.

[3] In ecosystems, earthworms such as Lumbricus rubellus increase the rate of transfer between trophic levels by making it easier for plants to uptake nutrients.

One significant biotic interaction of Lumbricus rubellus results from a relationship with vitamin B12-producing microorganisms such as bacteria and actinomycetes and barley.

In traditional Chinese medicine, abdominal extracts from Lumbricus rubellus are used in a preparation known as Di Long, or Earth Dragon, for treatment of rheumatic, phlegm and blood disorders.