Neutral lipid and fatty acid composition of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris)

Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) were extracted with chloroform‐methanol (2∶1) and examined primarily for neutral lipids and fatty acids. TLC showed spots for sterols, hydrocarbons, free fatty acids, phospholipids and pigments but none for glycerides (tri‐, di‐ or mono). Saponification of the crude lipid extract yielded 32% fatty acids, 25% unsaponifiables and 43% unidentified. The lipid contained 3% hydrocarbon and 16% sterols. GLC of the hydrocarbons showed at least 13 components. GLC of the sterol fraction showed peaks corresponding to cholesterol (the major component), γ‐sitosterol, β‐sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and ergosterol. GLC showed that at least 38 fatty acids were present, with 18∶1, 18∶2, 18∶0, 20∶1 and 17∶0 predominanting.