Worm Rain

Learn:

Who hasn’t cringed even a little bit after a big rain when worms litter the pavement? For me, the thought of driving over them is the ickiest part. I feel bad, but I also feel better knowing that most of these flattened worms will make great food for robins. This is called vermiphagia (I know! A new word for me too.)

Why do worms come to the surface when it rains? Worms breathe through their SKIN, so and the moist environment above ground during a rain allows them to take in more oxygen. (This is contrary to the common belief that they come out so that they don’t drown in their burrows. They can actually survive ok in water as long as there is oxygen in it.)

The problem occurs when the rain stops and the worms are stranded on the pavement. If their skin dries out, they are literally toast. They are not able to breathe and their skin dries out, making the crunchy robin food.

Read:

A super-simple book to share with kids who love rainy, wormy days is “Worm Weather” by Jean Taft and Matt Hunt. Rhyming text takes us along as children explore outdoors and worms enjoy the rain too.

Do:

Worms have it tough. Make it a little easier on them the next time it rains! Pick up as many worms as you can and gently take them back to a grassy area to slip underground again. Grab gloves or a soft twig if you don’t like touching them!