Lumbriculus - Perfect for the Classroom (from Carolina Teacher Tips, August 1996) Ths fascinating, "user-friendly" creature is the perfect animal for the classroom. Besides being exceptionally hardy and easy to raise, Lumbriculus is ideal for studying a variety of features and functions, such as regeneration: "Remarkably, the entire process of head and tail regeneration by a small body fragment can be played out within a small, tightly sealed container with as little as 1-2 mL of water and no food. I have continually kept isolated worm fragments alive under these conditions for more than 6 months. Such fragments gradually diminish in size; new segments readily regenerate. Because of their small size and pale color, the new segments can be easily distinguished from the older ones." (Charles D. Drewes, PhD, "Those Wonderful Worms," Carolina Tips® 59 [August 1996]: 18.)

We have many care sheets to help you look after your new organism. The link will open a new browser window, so please disable popup blockers. Lumbriculus Care Sheet

For establishing and maintaining a culture of L. variegatus. Includes living culture (for class of 30), 1 1/2-gal plastic aquarium, food, transfer pipet, and detailed background information and instructions. To optimize culture conditions and productivity, an air pump (not included) can be used to circulate and aerate the water.