Worm in Knots

Why so worms tie themselves in knots? It's their only method of laying their eggs. The saddle that surrounds them in maturity is in fact their version of sexual organs. Although they are hermaphrodite, both male and female at the same time, they need a partner to reproduce.

Two worms lie side by side in opposite directions and pass the necessary between themselves to fertilise each other. Without internal organs, worms have evolved with an ingenious method of producing a form of eggs which are correctly called cocoons. To simplify the process, what happens is that the outer layer of their saddle becomes and inside out egg which has to be laid in the soil. To do this, worms wriggle in knots, scrapping the layer inside out as they peel it off their long body. The cocoon remains in the damp soil and from it will emerge three or four young worms who will, in turn, mature and breed within 8 weeks. All good for your garden.

For those that are interested, here's a link to a video showing the birth of worms... or red wrigglers if you happen to be American. :)