Lumbricus terrestris is a large, reddish worm species thought to be native to Western Europe, now widely distributed around the world (along with several other lumbricids).

In some areas where it is an introduced species, some people consider it to be a significant pest for out-competing native worms.

[1] Through much of Europe, it is the largest naturally occurring species of earthworm, typically reaching 20 to 25 cm in length when extended.

In Britain, it is primarily called the common earthworm or lob worm (though the name is also applied to a marine polychaete).

Such movement is apparent during and after heavy rainfall and usually happens when people become aware of relatively large numbers of earthworms in, for example, urban ecosystems.

However, this cannot be the case since L. terrestris, like other earthworms, can live in oxygenated water for long periods of time, stretching to weeks.

Under less severe environmental conditions where air temperature and moisture are sufficient, the worm often moves around on the surface.

These predators are very efficient earthworm eaters, being able to survive for lengthy periods with no food, so still persist even when their prey has dropped to unsustainably low populations.

[12] Lumbricus terrestris is an obligatorily biparental, simultaneous hermaphrodite worm,[13] that reproduces sexually with individuals mutually exchanging sperm.

It does not do well in tilled fields because of pesticide exposure, physical injuries from farm equipment and a lack of nutrients.

[16][17] It thrives in fence rows and woodlots and can lead to reductions in native herbaceous and tree regrowth.