Earthworms have no lungs, and absorb oxygen directly through their skin. Earthworms have long, segmented bodies, covered in microscopic setae, or bristles, which help to anchor and pull the worm via longitudinal muscle contractions. There are no eyes or other discerning facial features, only a simply opening for a mouth. The average earthworm is a reddish brown color, with a pointed posterior and anterior end. Inchworms are a type of caterpillar, and the slow-worm is a legless lizard. Roundworms and flatworms are different phyla. Later, biologists found that some were in quite different groups. Long ago, all animals looking like worms were lumped together by John Ray and by Linnaeus in their classifications. Most earthworms can regrow lost segments, assuming the worm has not had too much damage. The most common earthworm (in Europe, and most other temperate climate regions) grows to a size of about 20–25 cm when extended. It is usually about 80 cm in length, but can grow to about 3 meters. The biggest known earthworm is the giant Gippsland earthworm, found in Australia. Their sizes vary: they can be between two centimeters and about three meters in length. They are found everywhere, except in polar or dry climates.
There are 5,500 known species of earthworms in 21 families. An earthworm is an invertebrate animal with a long, stretchy body and no legs.
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