GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -Among the epigeic earthworms, Eisenia andrei and Eisenia fetida are the species most widely used in vermicomposting and vermiculture facilities worldwide.

Detailed explanation-2: -What kind of worms are used for vermicomposting? Most worm farms raise two main types of earthworm: Eisenia foetida and Lumbricus rubellis. These worms are commonly used to produce vermicompost, as well as for fish bait.

Detailed explanation-3: -Epigeic species are the most suitable for vermicomposting due to a high affinity for the organic substrate, high rates of consumption and digestion, owing to its tolerance for changes in environmental conditions, short life cycles, high reproductive rates and easy culturing [26].

Detailed explanation-4: -Epigeic: surface dwellers Epigeic earthworms live in areas containing high amounts of organic matter. They live at or near the soil surface and feed on leaf litter, decaying plant roots or dung. These earthworms do not form permanent burrows. Epigeic species tend to have dark skin colour (pigmentation).

Detailed explanation-5: -Epigeic are smaller to medium sized worms and are mainly feed on plant litter and dwell on the soil surface or in litter layers. Endogeic are medium sized worms, soil feeders and they live in horizontal burrows. Aneceic worms are large in size and live in vertical burrows, mainly feed on plant litter and soil (Fig.