Brandling Worms are smaller in size than earthworms and are banded red-brown and pink-yellow. It has a red-brown clitellum - the same colour as the body. It produces an unpleasant-smelling yellow fluid when handled.

Dendrobaena veneta is also striped but has a pale yellow-pink clitellum.

A photo must show the striped body and the clitellum.

They like living in compost heaps and are also found in rotting leaves and under logs.

All year round

These worms feed on rich decaying matter, especially in compost heaps. They feed on the surface of the soil rather than within it.

Often abundant in suitable places but poorly recorded.

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.