Reproduction
Whiteworms are one of the largest species of the genus Enchytraeus (adults range from 15mm to 40mm (1/2 to 1 1/2 inches) in length and from 0.5mm to 1mm in diameter). They are hermaphroditic, with each individual having both male and female reproductive organs. One worm mates with another individual and each fertilize the other. The worms exchange sperm cells during copulation and eggs are laid in transparent cocoons. Each cocoon produced by young adults contains 9~10 eggs; cocoons from mature adults produce 20~25 eggs. As the culture density increases, the reproductive rate levels off and old worms will only produce around 2~3 eggs per cocoon. The highest egg production reported was in the vicinity of 35 eggs per cocoon. Average per total population in culture is 10 eggs per cocoon. The eggs hatch in 12 days, and worms begin reproducing in 20~28 days depending on temperature. Each individual can produce as many as 1000 eggs over its life span.
Read more about this topic: Enchytraeus Buchholzi
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