Red wiggler worm identification. What red wiggler worms look like.

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Eisenia fetida is the common red wiggler. It is the most common worm sold for composting.

Physical description of red wiggler

It is smaller is size 3-4 inches long is average length for an adult red wiggler worm. They have alternating bands of darker and lighter red. This coloration is lighter between the bands. They have a slightly flat bottom. with the rest of the body being round. The tail is sometimes a lighter color often with a yellow tip. This coloration comes and goes depending upon what they are fed.

Red wiggler live cycle and characteristics

The red wiggler worm is great for composting for many reasons

It likes to stay put
Reproduces fast
Not picky about temperature
Not picky about food
Adapts to change of environment quickly
Consumes food at a fast rate
Stays near surface
The red wiggler prefers temperatures around 70 F
Lays small egg cocoons pictured above. Each cocoon can hatch 3-4 live worms in about 30 days. Adult worms can lay one or two cocoons per week.
It takes about 45 days for the red wiggler to reach sexual maturity
Each worm is hermaphroditic

Eisenia fetida