ABSTRACT
The enchytraeids, sometimes referred to as ‘‘potworms,’’ are distributed globally and are
common in most soils. Enchytraeids are a family of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Annelida:
Clitellata: Enchytraeidae) where species lengths range from several hundred micrometers to
6 cm. Their internal anatomy is similar to earthworms and easily described from live
specimens viewed at the microscope because the epidermis and cuticle are usually transparent,
although tissues are lightly pigmented in some forms.
