Dendrobaena veneta (also listed as Eisenia hortensis) is a medium-to-large earthworm from Europe. It composts well and is widely used as fishing bait because it stays active on the hook and in cold water.
1Description
Thicker and longer than the red wiggler, with a plum to grey-violet colour and faint banding. It is strongly muscled and wriggles hard when handled, which makes it attractive to fish.
2Ecology
It lives in rich surface litter but will also move into the upper soil, so it suits deep compost bins and garden beds. It tolerates wetter conditions and lower temperatures than E. fetida.
3Reproduction
Reproduction is slower than in Eisenia fetida: fewer cocoons per worm and a longer time to maturity. Many growers keep a mixed bin with both species; the red wigglers do most of the processing and the nightcrawlers grow to bait size.
4As bait
It survives for some time in cold fresh water and stays lively, which is why it is a standard bait worm for coarse and freshwater fishing. Keep bait worms cool (8–15 °C) in moist bedding.