Lugworm

Blow lugworm, sandworm

Genus : Arenicola → arena = sand | colere = to live in

Species : marina → mare = sea

L A T I N

Description

Diet

Microphage

It feeds on microorganisms such as bacteria, unicellular algae, protozoa, and small animals by filtering sand, leaving behind its characteristic sand coils, known as feces.

Reproduction

Sexual

Once a year, in autumn, individuals release pheromones to trigger the release of gametes: males and females deposit sperm and eggs on the sand, and the rising tide takes care of fertilization.

Predators

Crabs and shorebirds love them. The lugworm is one of the most commonly used baits for fishing, highly favored by many fish species.

It is also the model species studied and dissected at universities!