Common earthworm. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a common earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris). At the tip of the head, at low

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Common earthworm. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a common earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris). At the tip of the head, at lower centre, is the mouth. The individual body segments can clearly be distinguished. Clearly visible are the tiny thorn- like projections along the 'back' which aid movement. Adult common earthworms can grow up to 30cm in length. Their diet consists of organic substances in the soil. They aid the regeneration of mineral supplies, and their movement helps to break up the soil and improve aeration. They are thus vital to the regeneration of arable soils. Magnification: x12 at 5x7cm size. x32 at 7x5ins

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Size: 3593px × 2566px
Photo credit: © POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, annelid, annelida, common, earthworm, invertebrate, invertebrates, lumbricus, nature, sem, terrestris, wildlife, worm, zoology