AndyCdn
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A Fertile Cocoon
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Re:How fast do EF reproduce? - 2006/03/12 18:47
Thanks for your comments. I checked out your site, Bob, and found Kelly's article on reproduction. For anyone checking out this thread for the information, here it is, direct from Trinity Ranch:
Under ideal conditions your worms can double in volume every 90 days. The average incubation period for our worms is between 30 and 80 days, depending on environmental conditions. Once the new worms hatch, it'll take them 8 to 10 weeks to become sexually mature and begin producing cocoons...and the cycle continues, on and on. Your poundage should double every 3 to 4 months, as long as they have adequate space, food, moisture, and bin temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees F.
A sexually mature worm will always be 'banded'(see the mature/immature photo at bottom of page),the ring,or band on the mature worm is called the clitellum. When two worms mate, they each go off and deposit egg capsules..each capsule will contain one to 20 young, but the average survival rate is between three and four per capsule. The newly deposited egg will look like a small lemon, and be pale in color; as the blood supply increases, the color will deepen, and can be nearly black before hatching.(see the accompanying photos)
Reproduction Rates By Species
Kelly Slocum
Our thanks to Ms.Kelly Slocum.....
Following are the maximum reproducive rates of a few worm species under ideal conditions, and their environmental requirements:
Eisenia fetida (foetida)/Eisenia andrei Common names: redworm, tiger worm, manure worm
Maximum reproduction under ideal condtions:
3.8 cocoons per adult per week
83.2% hatching success rate
3.3 hatchlings per cocoon
Net reproduction of 10.4 young per adult per week
Maximum growth rate under ideal conditions:
32-73 days to cocoon hatch
53-76 days to sexual maturity
85-149 days from egg to maturity
Temperature requirements (?F):
Minimum 38?
Maximum 95?
Ideal range 70-80?
Heat tolerance is dependant on moisture level E. fetida is extremely tolerant of environmental fluctuation and handling and is the species identified by research as the most effective for vermicomposting in the widest range of feedstocks and environments.
(I hope you don't mind me posting this, Bob)
I've decided not to split the bin for now, but leave the worms alone for another month or so to let the population mature, as redhen suggests. I'm also turning over a few ideas for harvesting the compost/castings, but that's a subject for another thread!
Cohabiting with worms and a boxer in Ottawa, Canada |
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