The structure and distribution of external sense organs in newly hatched and mature earthworms

Abstract

Fully mature adult Eisenia foetida sensory buds are abundant on the prostomium and the first segment. In subsequent segments they are restricted to the anterior half where they form a single row aligned with the setae and encircling the worm. In the more posterior regions of the worm the buds are widely separated and fewer. The surface of each bud is a raised circular or oval area from which 15 to 100 so-called sensory hairs arise, being cylindrical and apparently flexible. The number of these projections decreases toward the posterior end of the worm. In worms newly emerged from egg cocoons, the general pattern of distribution and external form of sensory buds resembles that of adults, but the buds are much fewer and smaller than in adults. Although these worms emerge with their definitive adult number of segments, new buds and additional sensory projections are formed during post hatching development.