Gippsland earthworms, like most earthworms, possess both male and female reproductive organs, making them hermaphrodites. Mating is a unique challenge for these giant earthworms, as their underground tunnels are quite narrow and cramped. Scientists have observed that these creatures have the ability to stretch and thin themselves out, allowing two worms to fit inside the same tunnel for reproduction.
After mating, it takes up to a year for baby Gippsland earthworms to emerge from their eggs, and they are already quite large when they do, measuring several inches in length. This is in contrast to most other earthworm species, which are born much smaller and take longer to reach maturity. The size and strength of these baby earthworms also indicates that they are well-equipped to survive in the wild from the moment they are born.