Fig 1.
Rhinodrilus alatus in its aestivation chamber during the dry season.
Fig 2.
Scheme of “minhocuçu” in its aestivation chamber.
During the construction of the “pot” the giant earthworms build two galleries. One of them may be obstructed by the last feces that was expelled before aestivation (“cork”) and the second gallery (with a “breather”) connects the aestivation chamber to the ground surface. Created by Samuel Hosken.
Fig 3.
Rhinodrilus alatus and its “silk”.
During the drier months, giant earthworms excrete mucus (“silk”, “wool”, “web” or “cloth”) that covers the bottom of the aestivation chamber which retains water and allows the worms to stay moist. The coiled worm has about 5 cm diameter.
Fig 4.
Mature specimens of Rhinodrilus alatus with laterally projected clitellum.
Fig 5.
Scheme of Rhinodrilus alatus in “corridor”.
Each individual builds a U-shaped gallery (“corridor”) after copulation and leaves traces in places where it eats (“feeders”) and where it defecates (“crappers”). Created by Samuel Hosken.
Fig 6.
Extraction during the dry season.
Traditional giant earthworm extractor using a hoe to excavation.
Fig 7.
Extraction during the rainy season.
Traditional extractor inserting a thin twig into the hole that is near the giant earthworm’s head, which forces the animal to retreat.
Fig 8.
Giant earthworm just after capture.