Date: Tue, 5 Apr 1994 13:32:52 -0700 From: Mat Werner I want to second the explanation that the term hybrid attached to earthworms is pure hype. The species to use for vermiculture, vermicomposting is Eisenia foetida, aka the red worm. Anyone who perpetuates the hybrid myth is causing troubles for others. I recently visited Cuba and the Cubans went to great lengths in the 80's to track down and obtain living specimens of the supposed "California Red Hybrid". It wasn't until after they got a shipment from Spain (via Italy, originally from CA) that they realized the worms were none other than E. foetida. I am currently working on a book on the general subject of earthworm biology and ecology, and practical applications. Matt Werner UCSC Agroecology Program Santa Cruz, CA 95064