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11-02-2021
Column: Nature Notes - EARTHWORMS
Column: Nature Notes - EARTHWORMS
The giant earthworms found in the Scenic Rim are a smaller species, around two metres long (Digaster longmani). They probably share many characteristics of the Gippsland Giant. However, much information remains undiscovered. These worms live in deep permanent burrows and are not seen, unless they come to the surface when their burrows are flooded by heavy rain, or when excavations or landslips disturb their burrows.
Earthworms' habitat is soil, leaf litter, under stones and logs. Native earthworms are often eliminated by clearing and most disturbed habitats such as pastures and gardens are dominated by European species.
They do not have an external skeleton like an insect or an internal skeleton like a snake; they rely on their muscles alone to maintain their structure. They also do not have eyes but can detect light through light sensitive tissues on their head.
Movement and burrowing utilise the musculature of the segments and body wall and bristle-like front and rear setae. They contract and relax the musc

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