Editing Vermicompost (section)

===Suitable worm species===
All worms make compost but some species are not suitable for this purpose. Vermicompost worms are generally [[epigean]]. Species most often used for composting include:

* ''[[Eisenia fetida]]'' (Europe), the red wiggler or tiger worm. Closely related to ''[[Eisenia andrei]]'', which is also usable.
* ''[[Eisenia hortensis]]''  (Europe), European nightcrawlers, prefers high C:N material.
* ''[[Eudrilus eugeniae]]'' (West Africa), African Nightcrawlers. Useful in the tropics.
* ''[[Perionyx excavatus]]'' (South and East Asia), blueworms. May be used in the tropics and subtropics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/HG-46.pdf |title=Composting Worms for Hawaii |access-date=2009-02-22}}</ref>
* ''[[Lampito mauritii]]'' (Southern Asia), used locally.

These species commonly are found in organic-rich soils throughout Europe and North America and live in rotting [[vegetation]], compost, and [[manure]] piles. As they are shallow-dwelling and feed on decomposing plant matter in the soil, they adapt easily to live on food or plant waste in the confines of a worm bin. Some species are considered [[invasive species|invasive]] in some areas, so they should be avoided (see [[earthworms as invasive species]] for a list).<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nrri.umn.edu/worms/ |title=Great Lakes Worm Watch |access-date=2009-02-22}}</ref>

Composting worms are available to order online, from nursery mail-order suppliers or [[angling]] shops where they are sold as [[Bait (luring substance)|bait]]. They can also be collected from compost and manure piles. These species are not the same worms that are found in ordinary soil or on pavement when the soil is flooded by water.

The following species are ''not'' recommended:
* ''[[Lumbricus rubellus]]'' and ''[[Lumbricus terrestris]]'' (Europe). The two closely related species are anecic: they like to burrow underground and come up for food. As a result, they adapt poorly to shallow compost bins and should be avoided.<ref name="thf">{{cite web | url=http://herronfarms.webs.com/ | title=Composting with earthworms| publisher=Herron Farms Dawsonville Ga. | access-date=March 26, 2013}}</ref> They are also invasive in North America.