The female deposits the eggs in the fall in a frothy secretion that hardens and protects the eggs from predators and severs winter climates. The egg cases are attached to twigs, leaves, fences, etc. and may contain 50 to 400 eggs with an average of about 200. Upon hatching in the spring the young crawl from between tiny flaps in the case and hang from silken threads about two inches below the case. After drying out, the long-legged young disperse into the vegetation leaving little, if any, evidence of their appearance. This happens within an hour or two and it is very difficult to know hatching has occurred unless the elusive, well-camouflaged young are found.
Earthworms improve soil conditions through aeration by burrowing in pursuit of food.
They aerate the soil, constantly tilling it and making it more pliable and light, providing channels for easy and deep root growth. This continuous aeration of the soil results in less evaporation and surface runoff, thereby providing for more efficient use of moisture introduced to the soil. The Earthworm's intricate digestive tract makes it possible for them to excrete highly nutritious fertilizer known as casting. The increases are directly attributed to the organic matter eaten by worms. Castings are water soluble and immediately available to plan life.