• Dorsal pores are small openings situated in the inter-segmental grooves at dorsal side of the body.
• The dorsal pores are absent in the first few segments.
• Earthworms which live in marshy areas and have preference for high moisture level lack dorsal pores.

Fig: Dorsal pores in: A. Eudichogaster ashworthi; B. Eisenia foetida; C. Lennogaster falcifer