Annelids
Segmented Wonders Under Your Feet
Animals with repeating body parts, no backbone needed!
What makes them this type?
- Long, thin bodies
- Many repeating segments
- No internal skeleton
- Special muscles for movement
Examples
Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) Helps make soil healthy by recycling food scraps
Leech (Hirudo medicinalis) Has a special sucker for grabbing onto things
Nightcrawler (Lumbricus terrestris) Favorite snack of birds and hedgehogs
Motion Notes (for Animation & Drawing)
- Wiggle, wiggle! They move by contracting muscles in segments
- Slow and steady - no need for speed when you're underground
Learn More
Segmented body with repeating parts
Setae (bristles) help them grip soil
Fun Facts
- Some annelids can regrow lost body parts!
- Earthworms have no eyes, but they can feel light and darkness
- Leeches are actually pretty helpful for medicine - they clean wounds!