If you have an outdoor worm composting bin with an open bottom, you could technically have a system containing both Red Worms (assuming you add them) and Canadian Nightcrawlers – which would venture in from the surrounding soil. They do not create burrows, and while they CAN be found in and on top of soil – typically there needs to be a significant source of organic matter nearby in order for them to want to stick around.

This species of worm is adapted for a crowded life in very rich organic matter, such as that found in a manure pile (pretty well their ideal habitat). If you WERE to try and raise them in captivity, the ideal system for them would definitely not be ideal for raising Red Wigglers (aka Red Worms).

I certainly wouldn’t say it is impossible to breed them in captivity, but you would need a really large system, filled with soil and maintained at relatively cool temperatures – remember that down below the surface layers the soil becomes quite a bit cooler. They come up to the surface (typically at night) to feed and to mate, but most of their time is spent burrowing through the soil. terrestris makes deep burrows down into the soil and lives a rather solitary life.

What many people don’t realize however is that this species is not very well suited for life in a confined worm bin. Naturally there are a LOT of people who want to raise them for their own personal fishing needs, or to be sold as bait. The Canadian Nightcrawler is a soil dwelling worm that is very popular for fishing due to its large size and the relative ease with which it can be collected (especially at night, during or after a heavy summer rain shower). I will however also talk about growing European Nightcrawlers (Eisenia hortensis) with Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida), since some people are likely wondering about this as well. I have sneaking suspicion that you might be referring to the Canadian Nightcrawler (Lumbricus terrestris), when you use the term ‘nightcrawlers’ so I will provide answer based on that assumption. “Can you grow red wigglers and nightcrawlers together? Where the best place to get the worms? We want to raise them as a class project to learn about science and ways to help the earth and to help plants grow.” ~ SmithWood Girls

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