Eudrilus eugeniae is a species of earthworm native to tropical west Africa and now widespread in warm regions, both wild and under vermiculture, also called the african night crawler. growth:
• Fecundity, growth, maturation and biomass production were all significantly greater at 25°C than 15°, 20°or 30°. {25ºC = 77ºF} • The growth of individual earthworms increased the lower the population densit
y, but the greatest overall earthworm biomass production occurs at the highest population density. • The greatest number of cocoons per week and the number of hatchlings per cocoon are obtained at 25°C. eugeniae hatched in only 12 days at 25°C, the earthworms at these temperatures reached sexual maturity in as little as 35 days after hatching. eugeniae grew much more rapidly than Eisenia fetida, in similar environmental conditions. The West-African nightcrawler grows well at a temperature of 24-30°C (75-86°F). Maximum weight 2.5 grams occurs within 8-10 weeks. • The African nightcrawler has a uniform purple-grey sheen and the posterior segments are evenly tapered to a point. The segments of the Brandling worm (Eisenia fetida) alternate reddish-orange and brown; the posterior segments do not taper, and the final segment is blunt. The black soldier fly, or Hermetia illucens is a common and widespread fly of the family Stratiomyidae, whose larvae are common detritivores in compost heaps. Larvae are also sometimes found in association with carrion, and have significant potential for use in forensic entomology.[1]
Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) may be used in manure management, for house fly control and reduction in manure volume. Mature larvae and prepupae raised in manure management operations may also be used to supplement animal feeds.[2]
Larvae are sold as feeders for owners of herptiles and tropical fish, or as composting grubs. They store high levels of calcium for future pupation which is beneficial to herptiles.
