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Mark E Hodson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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polyester derived microfibre impacts on the soil dwelling earthworm Lumbricus terrestris
Environmental Pollution, 2019Co-Authors: Miranda T Prendergastmiller, Andreas Katsiamides, Mustafa Abbass, Stephen R Sturzenbaum, Karen L Thorpe, Mark E HodsonAbstract:Microplastic (MP) pollution is everywhere. In terrestrial environments, microfibres (MFs) generated from textile laundering are believed to form a significant component of MPs entering soils, mainly through sewage sludge and compost applications. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of MFs on a keystone soil organism. We exposed the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris to soil with polyester MFs incorporated at rates of 0, 0.1 and 1.0 %w/w MF for a period of 35 days (in the dark at 15 °C; n = 4 for each treatment). Dried plant litter was applied at the soil surface as a food source for the earthworms. We assessed earthworm vitality through mortality, weight change, depurate production and MF avoidance testing. In addition, we measured stress biomarker responses via the expression of metallothionein-2 (mt-2), heat shock protein (hsp70) and superoxide dismutase (sod-1). Our results showed that exposure and ingestion of MFs (as evidenced by subsequent retrieval of MFs within earthworm depurates) were not lethal to earthworms, nor did earthworms actively avoid MFs. However, earthworms in the MF1.0% treatment showed a 1.5-fold lower cast production, a 24.3-fold increase in expression of mt-2 (p < 0.001) and a 9.9-fold decline in hsp70 expression (p < 0.001). Further analysis of soil and MF samples indicated that metal content was not a contributor to the biomarker results. Given that burrowing and feeding behaviour, as well as molecular genetic biomarkers, were modulated in earthworms exposed to MFs, our study highlights potential implications for soil ecosystem processes due to MF contamination.
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combining µxanes and µxrd mapping to analyse the heterogeneity in calcium carbonate granules excreted by the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris
Journal of Synchrotron Radiation, 2014Co-Authors: Loredana Brinza, Mark E Hodson, P F Schofield, Sophie Weller, Konstantin Ignatyev, Kalotina Geraki, Paul D Quinn, Frederick J W MosselmansAbstract:The use of fluorescence full spectral micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (µXANES) mapping is becoming more widespread in the hard energy regime. This experimental method using the Ca K-edge combined with micro-X-ray diffraction (µXRD) mapping of the same sample has been enabled on beamline I18 at Diamond Light Source. This combined approach has been used to probe both long- and short-range order in calcium carbonate granules produced by the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. In granules produced by earthworms cultured in a control artificial soil, calcite and vaterite are observed in the granules. However, granules produced by earthworms cultivated in the same artificial soil amended with 500 p.p.m. Mg also contain an aragonite. The two techniques, µXRD and µXANES, probe different sample volumes but there is good agreement in the phase maps produced.
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soil ph governs production rate of calcium carbonate secreted by the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris
Applied Geochemistry, 2011Co-Authors: Denise C Lambkin, K H Gwilliam, C Layton, Matthew Canti, Trevor G Piearce, Mark E HodsonAbstract:Lumbricus terrestris earthworms exposed to 11 soils of contrasting properties produced, on average, 0.8 ± 0.1 mgCaCO3 earthworm−1 day−1 in the form of granules up to 2 mm in diameter. Production rate increased with soil pH (r2 = 0.68, p < 0.01). Earthworms could be a significant source of calcite in soils.
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impact of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris l on as cu pb and zn mobility and speciation in contaminated soils
Environmental Pollution, 2011Co-Authors: Tom Sizmur, Barbara Palumboroe, Michael J Watts, Mark E HodsonAbstract:To assess the risks that contaminated soils pose to the environment properly a greater understanding of how soil biota influence the mobility of metal(loid)s in soils is required. Lumbricus terrestris L. were incubated in three soils contaminated with As, Cu, Pb and Zn. The concentration and speciation of metal(loid)s in pore waters and the mobility and partitioning in casts were compared with earthworm-free soil. Generally the concentrations of water extractable metal(loid)s in earthworm casts were greater than in earthworm-free soil. The impact of the earthworms on concentration and speciation in pore waters was soil and metal specific and could be explained either by earthworm induced changes in soil pH or soluble organic carbon. The mobilisation of metal(loid)s in the environment by earthworm activity may allow for leaching or uptake into biota.
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effect of time and mode of depuration on tissue copper concentrations of the earthworms eisenia andrei Lumbricus rubellus and Lumbricus terrestris
Environmental Pollution, 2007Co-Authors: Rebecca E Arnold, Mark E HodsonAbstract:Abstract Eisenia andrei , Lumbricus rubellus and Lumbricus terrestris were exposed to 250, 250 and 350 mg kg −1 Cu respectively in Cu(NO 3 ) 2(aq) amended soil for 28 d. Earthworms were then depurated for 24 to 72 h, digested and analysed for Cu and Ti or, subsequent to depuration were dissected to remove any remaining soil particles from the alimentary canal and then digested and analysed. This latter treatment proved impossible for E. andrei due to its small size. Regardless of depuration time, soil particles were retained in the alimentary canal of L. rubellus and L. terrestris . Tissue concentration determinations indicate that E. andrei should be depurated for 24 h, L. rubellus for 48 h and L. terrestris should be dissected. Ti was bioaccumulated and therefore could not be used as an inert tracer to determine mass of retained soil. Calculations indicate that after 28 d earthworms were still absorbing Cu from soil.
Violette Geissen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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incorporation of microplastics from litter into burrows of Lumbricus terrestris
Environmental Pollution, 2017Co-Authors: Esperanza Huerta Lwanga, Hennie Gertsen, Piet Peters, Martine J Van Der Ploeg, Tamas Salanki, Ellen Besseling, And Albert A Koelmans, Harm P A Gooren, Violette GeissenAbstract:Abstract Pollution caused by plastic debris is an urgent environmental problem. Here, we assessed the effects of microplastics in the soil surface litter on the formation and characterization of burrows built by the anecic earthworm Lumbricus terrestris in soil and quantified the amount of microplastics that was transported and deposited in L. terrestris burrows. Worms were exposed to soil surface litter treatments containing microplastics (Low Density Polyethylene) for 2 weeks at concentrations of 0%, 7%, 28%, 45% and 60%. The latter representing environmentally realistic concentrations found in hot spot soil locations. There were significantly more burrows found when soil was exposed to the surface treatment composed of 7% microplastics than in all other treatments. The highest amount of organic matter in the walls of the burrows was observed after using the treatments containing 28 and 45% microplastics. The highest microplastic bioturbation efficiency ratio (total microplastics (mg) in burrow walls/initial total surface litter microplastics (mg)) was found using the concentration of 7% microplastics, where L. terrestris introduced 73.5% of the surface microplastics into the burrow walls. The highest burrow wall microplastic content per unit weight of soil (11.8 ± 4.8 g kg- 1 ) was found using a concentration of 60% microplastics. L. terrestris was responsible for size-selective downward transport when exposed to concentrations of 7, 28 and 45% microplastics in the surface litter, as the fraction ≤50 μm microplastics in burrow walls increased by 65% compared to this fraction in the original surface litter plastic. We conclude that the high biogenic incorporation rate of the small-fraction microplastics from surface litter into burrow walls causes a risk of leaching through preferential flow into groundwater bodies. Furthermore, this leaching may have implications for the subsequent availability of microplastics to terrestrial organisms or for the transport of plastic-associated organic contaminants in soil.
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microplastics in the terrestrial ecosystem implications for Lumbricus terrestris oligochaeta lumbricidae
Environmental Science & Technology, 2016Co-Authors: Esperanza Huerta Lwanga, Hennie Gertsen, Piet Peters, Martine J Van Der Ploeg, Tamas Salanki, Ellen Besseling, And Albert A Koelmans, Harm P A Gooren, Violette GeissenAbstract:Plastic debris is widespread in the environment, but information on the effects of microplastics on terrestrial fauna is completely lacking. Here, we studied the survival and fitness of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) exposed to microplastics (Polyethylene, <150 μm) in litter at concentrations of 7, 28, 45, and 60% dry weight, percentages that, after bioturbation, translate to 0.2 to 1.2% in bulk soil. Mortality after 60 days was higher at 28, 45, and 60% of microplastics in the litter than at 7% w/w and in the control (0%). Growth rate was significantly reduced at 28, 45, and 60% w/w microplastics, compared to the 7% and control treatments. Due to the digestion of ingested organic matter, microplastic was concentrated in cast, especially at the lowest dose (i.e., 7% in litter) because that dose had the highest proportion of digestible organic matter. Whereas 50 percent of the microplastics had a size of <50 μm in the original litter, 90 percent of the microplastics in the ca...
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microplastics in the terrestrial ecosystem implications for Lumbricus terrestris oligochaeta lumbricidae
Environmental Science & Technology, 2016Co-Authors: Esperanza Huerta Lwanga, Hennie Gertsen, Piet Peters, Tamas Salanki, Ellen Besseling, And Albert A Koelmans, Harm P A Gooren, Martine Van Der Ploeg, Violette GeissenAbstract:Plastic debris is widespread in the environment, but information on the effects of microplastics on terrestrial fauna is completely lacking. Here, we studied the survival and fitness of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) exposed to microplastics (Polyethylene, <150 μm) in litter at concentrations of 7, 28, 45, and 60% dry weight, percentages that, after bioturbation, translate to 0.2 to 1.2% in bulk soil. Mortality after 60 days was higher at 28, 45, and 60% of microplastics in the litter than at 7% w/w and in the control (0%). Growth rate was significantly reduced at 28, 45, and 60% w/w microplastics, compared to the 7% and control treatments. Due to the digestion of ingested organic matter, microplastic was concentrated in cast, especially at the lowest dose (i.e., 7% in litter) because that dose had the highest proportion of digestible organic matter. Whereas 50 percent of the microplastics had a size of <50 μm in the original litter, 90 percent of the microplastics in the casts was <50 μm in all treatments, which suggests size-selective egestion by the earthworms. These concentration-transport and size-selection mechanisms may have important implications for fate and risk of microplastic in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Microplastics in the Terrestrial Ecosystem: Implications for Lumbricus terrestris (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae)
2016Co-Authors: Esperanza Huerta Lwanga, Hennie Gertsen, Piet Peters, Ellen Besseling, And Albert A Koelmans, Harm P A Gooren, Martine Van Der Ploeg, Tamás Salánki, Violette GeissenAbstract:Plastic debris is widespread in the environment, but information on the effects of microplastics on terrestrial fauna is completely lacking. Here, we studied the survival and fitness of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) exposed to microplastics (Polyethylene,
Kevin R Butt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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food quality affects production of Lumbricus terrestris l under controlled environmental conditions
Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 2011Co-Authors: Kevin R ButtAbstract:Birch leaves and horse manure were used to determine the effects of food quality on growth and reproduction of laboratory-reared Lumbricus terrestris. Animals grew to maturity within 6 months but attained a significantly (p < 0.001) larger adult size with manure (6.17 g) versus leaves (4.20 g). Cocoon production by recently-mated adults maintained in isolation, fed with birch leaves or horse manure, resulted in 4.53 and 3.84 cocoons ind.−1 month−1 respectively, with an initial hatchability of 86%, falling to zero after 18 months. Re-mating of these known individuals permitted long term monitoring of reproductive output (to 30 months). For the whole experimental period, overall hatchability of the 2010 cocoons produced was 44.4%. Median incubation time of those cocoons that hatched within accepted norms (less than 5 months at 15 °C) was 103 days and was not influenced by adult food type. A proportion (35.5%) of cocoons took in excess of 12 months to hatch. Adult mortality was minimal (25%) during the long term experiment but abnormal cocoon production was recorded after 2 years. Overall results demonstrate that food quality can have a significant influence on somatic and reproductive production of L. terrestris and these data may aid construction of production models for this earthworm in ecosystems with contrasting food quality.
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field investigations of Lumbricus terrestris spatial distribution and dispersal through monitoring of manipulated enclosed plots
Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 2010Co-Authors: Niki Grigoropoulou, Kevin R ButtAbstract:A field experiment in managed woodland was set up to examine the effects of manipulated population density and resource availability on spatial distribution and dispersal of the anecic earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. Experiments over 2 years, made use of 1 m2 field enclosures with associated trapping units to assess emigration rates at control and enhanced L. terrestris densities and different levels of leaf litter availability. Densities were manipulated twice; at the outset and again after 1 year when visually tagged animals obtained from 2 origins were introduced. Population density had a significant effect on dispersal (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 in Year 1 and Year 2 respectively) with more captures (pro rata) at the higher density compared with controls over the experimental period. Food availability only had a significant effect during the initial week of the experiment. L. terrestris midden arrangement was found to be regular across 1 m2 plots and regularity increased with an increase in midden number. Mean (±S.E.) midden number was 30.34 ± 0.77 m−2 and 28.06 ± 0.5 m−2, during the first and second year of the experiment respectively and this was unaffected by additions. Inter-midden distance was recorded at 0.13 ± 0.0014 m. Results suggest that L. terrestris dispersal can be affected by population density and resource availability.
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interaction of Lumbricus terrestris l burrows with field subdrainsthe 7th international symposium on earthworm ecology cardiff wales 2002
Pedobiologia, 2003Co-Authors: Visa Nuutinen, Kevin R ButtAbstract:Summary The morphology of Lumbricus terrestris L. burrows was investigated in relation to subsurface tile drain position. The aim was to clarify the causes and consequences of higher densities of L. terrestris previously measured above the tiles at the study site. At two pairs of study pits, the plough layer was removed from a 1 m × 2 m area above the tile and at 8 m distance from it. Burrows of L. terrestris were identified at the plough pan, resident worms removed and burrows cast with dyed fibreglass resin. The resin casts were exposed in the profile, depth and length of casts measured and their connections with tiles recorded. In both above-tile pits, two cases were recorded where the cast burrow ended at the tile surface. These contacts indicate the potential importance of burrows in the conduction of water and solutes from the soil surface layers into the tiles. The mean depth of burrows was 1.0 m (se = 0.024, n = 27) above the tiles and 0.83 m (se = 0.036, n = 12) between the tiles. During adverse soil conditions such as droughts, individuals living near the tiles may gain from the shelter provided by their deeper burrows and this could partly explain the higher population densities above the tiles.
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interaction of Lumbricus terrestris l burrows with field subdrains
Pedobiologia, 2003Co-Authors: Visa Nuutinen, Kevin R ButtAbstract:The morphology of Lumbricus terrestris L. burrows was investigated in relation to subsurface tile drain position. The aim was to clarify the causes and consequences of higher densities of L. terrestris previously measuredabove the tiles at the study site. At two pairs of study pits, the plough layer was removed from a 1 m x 2 m area above the tile and at 8 m distance from it. Burrows of L. terrestris were identified at the plough pan, resident worms removed and burrows cast with dyed fibreglass resin. The resin casts were exposed in the profile, depth and length of casts measured and their connections with tiles recorded. In both above-tile pits, two cases were recorded where the cast burrow ended at the tile surface. These contacts indicate the potential importance of burrows in the conduction of water and solutes from the soil surface layers into the tiles. The mean depth of burrows was 1.0 m (se = 0.024, n = 27) above the tiles and 0.83 m (se = 0.036, n = 12) between the tiles. During adverse soil conditions such as droughts, individuals living near the tiles may gain from the shelter provided by their deeper burrows and this could partly explain the higher population densities above the tiles.
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the mating behaviour of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris oligochaeta lumbricidae
Journal of Zoology, 1997Co-Authors: Visa Nuutinen, Kevin R ButtAbstract:A field observation suggested that the mating of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. might involve a pre-copulation behaviour sequence during which prospective partners visit each other's burrows. This was studied in laboratory investigations, where pairs of Finnish, field collected L. terrestris were observed directly and behaviour of groups of four or nine previously unmated L. terrestris of English origin was studied by video-recording. In total, 15 full mating sequences were recorded. Mate searching involved trail-following on the soil surface. This was followed by a series of, usually reciprocated, burrow visits. The number of visits by an individual worm showed a high degree of variability (n= 1–17). A burrow visit typically consisted of anterior segments insertion, for a period of 30 to 50 seconds, but also deeper burrow-penetrations, which sometimes lasted several minutes, were recorded. Resident worms, when visited, either withdrew below ground completely or remained at the surface, with the first few anterior segments in view. Visiting worms normally retained their posterior segments in their own burrows. Visits were fewer when burrow openings were more widely separated. Partners often maintained close contact while moving back and forth between the burrow openings and the pre-copulation phase appeared as specific courtship behaviour. Uninterrupted, the precopulation behaviour sequences lasted from 11 to 22 minutes in video-taped matings and approximately 90 minutes in the single directly-observed mating. After a pre-copulation sequence, pairs adopted a static ‘s’-shaped copulation position of close ventral contact, during which both individuals bent their anterior segments away from the partner's body. Copulations lasted from 69 to 200 minutes (median length for video-taped matings 135 minutes). Other individuals often touched the copulating pair. Where this occurred, matings were shorter compared to those with no interference. We present a scheme for the mating of L. terrestris, discuss its different phases and propose a few lines for further studies.
Rita Triebskorn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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stress protein response hsp70 and avoidance behaviour in eisenia fetida aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris when exposed to imidacloprid
Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2012Co-Authors: Nils Dittbrenner, Yvan Capowiez, Heinzr Kohler, Rita TriebskornAbstract:Purpose The earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei are commonly used in ecotoxicological standard tests. In the present study, we compared the sensitivity of E. fetida with that of two soil-dwelling earthworm species (Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris) in order to evaluate the capacity of E. fetida to predict effects of the insecticide imidacloprid. Responses were compared using two endpoints, a biochemical (changes in heat shock protein level (hsp70)) and a behavioural (avoidance behaviour).
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sensitivity of eisenia fetida in comparison to aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris after imidacloprid exposure body mass change and histopathology
Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2011Co-Authors: Nils Dittbrenner, Yvan Capowiez, Hannah Schmitt, Rita TriebskornAbstract:Purpose The use of only one or a few species—representing an entire taxon—in ecotoxicological standard tests poses risk of underestimating the impact of toxicants on the environment. In earthworm ecotoxicity tests, the species Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei are commonly used, and there is evidence that these species respond relatively insensitive towards environmental pollution. With the present study, we wanted to evaluate the risk of underestimating effects of the insecticide imidacloprid in soil organisms by comparing E. fetida with two other earthworm species (Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus terrestris) regarding their sensitivities towards soil contaminated with this widely used insecticide.
Manfred Türke - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Experimental Evaluation of Herbivory on Live Plant Seedlings by the Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. in the Presence and Absence of Soil Surface Litter
PloS one, 2015Co-Authors: Johannes Kirchberger, Nico Eisenhauer, Wolfgang W. Weisser, Manfred TürkeAbstract:Background Recent studies suggested that the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris might act as a seedling predator by ingesting emerging seedlings, and individuals were observed damaging fresh leaves of various plant species in the field. To evaluate the significance of herbivore behavior of L. terrestris for plant and earthworm performance we exposed 23- to 33-days-old seedlings of six plant species to earthworms in two microcosm experiments. Plants belonged to the three functional groups grasses, non-leguminous herbs, and legumes. Leaf damage, leaf mortality, the number of leaves as well as mortality and growth of seedlings were followed over a period of up to 26 days. In a subset of replicates 0.1 g of soil surface litter of each of the six plant species was provided and consumption was estimated regularly to determine potential feeding preferences of earthworms. Results There was no difference in seedling growth, the number of live seedlings and dead leaves between treatments with or without worms. Fresh leaves were damaged eight times during the experiment, most likely by L. terrestris, with two direct observations of earthworms tearing off leaf parts. Another nine leaves were partly pulled into earthworm burrows. Lumbricus terrestris preferred to consume legume litter over litter of the other plant functional groups. Earthworms that consumed litter lost less weight than individuals that were provided with soil and live plants only, indicating that live plants are not a suitable substitute for litter in earthworm nutrition.
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Experimental Evaluation of Herbivory on Live Plant Seedlings by the Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. in the Presence and Absence of Soil Surface Litter
2015Co-Authors: Johannes Kirchberger, Nico Eisenhauer, Wolfgang W. Weisser, Manfred TürkeAbstract:BackgroundRecent studies suggested that the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris might act as a seedling predator by ingesting emerging seedlings, and individuals were observed damaging fresh leaves of various plant species in the field. To evaluate the significance of herbivore behavior of L. terrestris for plant and earthworm performance we exposed 23- to 33-days-old seedlings of six plant species to earthworms in two microcosm experiments. Plants belonged to the three functional groups grasses, non-leguminous herbs, and legumes. Leaf damage, leaf mortality, the number of leaves as well as mortality and growth of seedlings were followed over a period of up to 26 days. In a subset of replicates 0.1 g of soil surface litter of each of the six plant species was provided and consumption was estimated regularly to determine potential feeding preferences of earthworms.ResultsThere was no difference in seedling growth, the number of live seedlings and dead leaves between treatments with or without worms. Fresh leaves were damaged eight times during the experiment, most likely by L. terrestris, with two direct observations of earthworms tearing off leaf parts. Another nine leaves were partly pulled into earthworm burrows. Lumbricus terrestris preferred to consume legume litter over litter of the other plant functional groups. Earthworms that consumed litter lost less weight than individuals that were provided with soil and live plants only, indicating that live plants are not a suitable substitute for litter in earthworm nutrition.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that L. terrestris damages live plants; however, this behavior occurs only rarely. Pulling live plants into earthworm burrows might induce microbial decomposition of leaves to make them suitable for later consumption. Herbivory on plants beyond the initial seedling stage may only play a minor role in earthworm nutrition and has limited potential to influence plant growth.
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herbivore behavior in the anecic earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris l
European Journal of Soil Biology, 2013Co-Authors: Brad Griffith, Nico Eisenhauer, Wolfgang W. Weisser, Manfred TürkeAbstract:Abstract Earthworms dominate invertebrate biomass in many non-acidic terrestrial ecosystems and represent key detritivores. Anecic earthworms live in the soil but primarily feed on soil surface litter. Recent studies indicate that predation of seeds and seedlings may also contribute to earthworm nutrition. However, the biological significance of this behavior is unknown. Here, we present to our knowledge the first photographic and video evidence that the anecic earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris L. attacks living plants and damages leaves still attached to plants. This behavior could be observed repeatedly and in different locations, indicating that it may be a common process. Though based on uncontrolled observations and in situations of low litter availability, this herbivore behavior suggests that the role of earthworms within ecosystems should not be restricted to litter burial and decomposition, but should include aboveground herbivory. Our observations do not allow us to determine with certainty if the earthworms directly fed on fresh plant material or – more likely – transported it to its permanent burrows to facilitate microbial decay. We propose that this behavior and its implications for the composition and functioning of plant communities merits further scientific attention. For instance, given the detrimental effects of some common molluscicides on earthworm performance, assumed mollusk effects on plant growth and seedling survival reported in previous studies could be – at least in part – due to the action of anecic earthworms. Future studies should investigate the biological significance and the context-dependency of this behavior.
