The recommended test species is Eisenia foetida (Michaelsen). Although this is not a
typical soil species, it occurs in soil rich in organic matter. Its susceptibility to chemicals
resembles that of true soil-inhabiting species, it has a short life cycle, hatching from cocoons
in 3 to 4 weeks, and reaching maturity in seven to eight weeks at 20°C. It is very prolific, each
worm producing two to five cocoons per week from each of which emerge several worms. It
is available commercially and can be bred readily in a wide range of organic waste materials.
Cocoons can be purchased commercially or distributed from a central source to ensure the same
strain is used (see Annex).