Enchytraeidae


Enchytraeidae is a family of microdrile oligochaetes. They resemble small earthworms and include both terrestrial species known as potworms that live in highly organic terrestrial environments, as well as some that are marine. The peculiar genus Mesenchytraeus is known as "ice worms", as they spend the majority of their lives within glaciers, only rising to the surface at certain points in the summer. Enchytraeidae also includes the Grindal worm, which is commercially bred as aquarium fish food. Certain varieties of Enchytraeidae are partially responsible for the notorious "dark earth" archaeological layers in post-Roman Era British urban centers such as London.

Selected genera

Enchytraeidae genera include:Achaeta Vejdovský, 1878Archienchytraeus Eisen, 1878 Buchholzia Michaelsen, 1886Cernosvitoviella Nielsen & Christensen, 1959Christensenidrilus Dózsa-Farkas & Convey, 1998 Cognettia Nielsen & Christensen, 1959Enchytraeina Bülow, 1957EnchytraeusEpitelphusa Drago, 1887Fridericia Michaelsen, 1889Globulidrilus Christensen & Dózsa-Farkas, 2012GraniaHemifridericia Nielsen & Christensen, 1949Henlea Michaelsen, 1889 Lumbricillus Ørsted, 1844 Marionina Michaelsen in Pfeffer, 1890 Mesenchytraeusice wormsNeoenchytraeus Eisen, 1878Randidrilus Coates & Erséus, 1985Stephensoniella Cernosvitov, 1934