Megascolides australis (Giant Gippsland Earthworm)
Named after its impressive size, Giant Gippsland Earthworms typically grow to 150 cm in length and weigh around 200 g. The front third of their bodies is deep purple before changing into a pink-grey colour. Newly hatched Giant Gippsland Earthworms are around 18 cm long, much longer than your average fully grown home-garden worm.
Giant Gippsland Earthworm are found in south and west Gippsland in Victoria, mostly on private land with limited connectivity between populations. They rely on high soil moisture almost year-round to keep their burrows suitably wet. They mostly live in clay soils on rolling to steep hills that allow surface water to build up and recharge soil moisture. Giant Gippsland Earthworms also like stream banks but always above the flood level.
Megascolides australis is listed in the following regions:
Species information
- Megascolides australis Scientific name
- Giant Gippsland Earthworm Common name
- Highly Sensitive
- Vulnerable *
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Machine learning
- External link More information
