If you turn over a rock, you might find one or two rolling worms underneath. These insects prefer to live in dark, damp environments and are only active at night. Despite their small size, rolling worms have a fairly long lifespan, surviving up to five years under ideal conditions.
What is a rotting worm?
Rolling worms , also known as potato worms , are actually terrestrial crustaceans , not insects. They get their name from the way they curl themselves into a ball when threatened. Here are some interesting characteristics of rolling worms :
| feature | describe |
|---|---|
| Exoskeleton (shell) | Their hard, gray or brown shells help them blend into their environment. |
| Legs | Seven pairs of legs are a typical characteristic of crustaceans. |
| antenna | Two pairs of antennae are used to sense the environment. |
| body shape | Small and compact, typically about 1/2 inch (about 1.27 cm) in length. |
| color | Gray or brown, with a darker tone, making it easy to camouflage. |
Although they look like insects, rolling worms are more related to lobsters and crabs , as they all belong to the crustacean class .
Rolling worm habitat
Rolling worms typically live in damp places such as grasslands , forests , and rainforests . Because they prefer dark, damp environments, they often inhabit areas under rocks , branches , bark , flowerpots , and humus . Sometimes, they can also be found indoors, especially in damp basements .
| Preferred habitat | Common locations |
|---|---|
| outdoor | Under stones, branches, bark, and humus |
| indoor | Damp basements, flower pots, and gardens |
Once the rolling worms find a habitat, they dig a burrow underground and spend the rest of their lives inside. Female rolling worms typically lay their eggs in this burrow, providing a safe habitat for their offspring.
Family life of volcanoes
Rolling worms typically reproduce in the spring . After mating, the female carries a fluid-filled sac inside her body, in which she places the eggs. The baby rolling worms remain in the sac for two months before hatching. They grow rapidly, shedding their exoskeleton four to five times during this process, eventually becoming adults—a process that takes about a year .
| life cycle | describe |
|---|---|
| egg | It exists in a fluid-filled sac inside the female's body. |
| larva | They hatch after staying in the bag for two months. |
| adult | After molting 4-5 times, they reach adulthood. |
| Cave cleaning | The whole family worked together to clean the burrow and remove the feces. |
Male and female rolling worms work together to care for their offspring and find food. Cleaning the burrow is a family activity, with all members participating in removing fecal particles . Once the larvae grow into adults, they begin digging their own burrows and seeking mates, starting a new life cycle.
Food of the worm
Rolling worms are saprophytic animals that feed on decaying plants , animals , and fungi . They play a vital role in the decomposition of organic matter, helping to accelerate the decomposition of dead plants and animals.
| food | food sources |
|---|---|
| Rotten organic matter | Decaying plants, fungi, dead animals |
| live plants | It can also eat seedlings and small plants, potentially damaging plants in the garden. |
However, these insects are not only beneficial to the environment; they can also pose a threat to your garden, especially by eating young plants and seedlings , causing some damage to crops.
Predators of the rolling worm
Despite their hard exoskeletons, rolling worms still have many natural enemies. Common predators include:
| predators | describe |
|---|---|
| birds | They eat insects when they are exposed to the elements. |
| frog | Commonly found in humid environments, they are a natural enemy of rollworms . |
| Ants, centipedes, spiders | These predators will hunt rolling worms whenever possible. |
Summary: The Importance of Rolling Worms
Although rolling worms may sometimes be considered a nuisance, their role in the ecosystem is undeniable. By decomposing organic matter, they contribute to soil health and plant growth. Furthermore, rolling worms play a vital role in the food chain, providing food for various predators while maintaining natural balance.
