On 20 Apr 2003 20:26:10 -0700,
(Woofie) wrote:

I noticed the same, both here (sandy soil) and at work (heavy clay at
worst). A lack of worms and even a lack of black beetle larvae. Both were
common.
This was last year, but since plenty of rain they are back in abundance.
My only guess is that they go deeper when the ground is dry, therefore out
of our normal reach.

I think that is what happens. If the drought is more severe they would
probably die but their eggs left behind would hatch when the grond
moisture levels reach the appropriate level.

We've noticed the same, in suburban Sydney. My husband has been
removing some garden beds I had pulled all the plants from and allowed
to dry out completely over the Summer (I was away for work all summer,
it seemed the best bet, considering the drought). He has reported
earthworms galore while removing the dirt from the empty garden beds.

Tara