Earthworm Reproduction n Earthworms are hermaphrodites n Male

Earthworm Reproduction

n Earthworms are hermaphrodites n Male organs: n n n One pair of testes are in segment 10, the other in segment 11 The seminal vesicles, which store the semen, are located in segments 9, 11, and 12 The two vas deferens open on segment 15 Female organs: n The ovaries are found in segments 13 n The two oviducts open on segment 14 n Sperm receptacles on segments 9 and 10 Clitellum on segments 31/32 -37

Okay, that’s a bit weird… So how do they do it? n n Each maneuvers its clitellum next to segments 911 of the other worm The clitellum secretes mucus that encases the two worms in a slime tube Worms send sperm to each and store it in their seminal receptacles This process can take 2 -3 hours

n n The worms separate Each worm forms a new slime tube from its clitellum The worm moves backwards, pulling the slime tube off its body As it does this, eggs and collected sperm are released into the tube n The eggs are fertilized n The slime tube dries and turns into a cocoon

n n The cocoons are deposited below the frost line Offspring usually hatch within 30 to 60 days, but some cocoons can remain in the soil indefinitely Bacteria decay the outer part of the cocoon allowing it to release the worms; if there are not enough bacteria, the worms will not be released After they hatch it takes two to four years to reach sexual maturity