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Excessive use of pesticides, heavy metals, and detergents may have negative effects on non-target organisms in soil and water and may seriously harm ecosystems. A total of 181 earthworm specimens from various habitats were gathered from three separate locations, namely the Anthikkad and Chalakudi locality in the Thrissur district and the Meenangadi locality in Wayanad. We were able to identify four different earthworm species which belonged to two distinct families and four different genera. Thereafter from this study it was clear that the Density of different species of earthworm (P. sansibaricus and L. mauritii) collected from study areas are same. Pb was found to be undetectable in earthworm samples from study sites out of the four pollutants evaluated. Earthworm samples from Anthikkad and Meenangadi sites had the greatest levels of the heavy element Zn. Of the 32 pesticides tested, 4 organochlorine pesticides and 4 organophosphorus pesticides were found to be at in samples collected from two different districts. By statistical analysis it was concluded that soil samples from all the sites (As, Cs & Ms) were homogeneous. It is not essential to be exposed to a large concentration of xenobiotics for the bodily tissues to become toxic; by extending the exposure period, the concentration can rise to dangerous levels. One more sensitive and early-warning biomarker of ecosystem health is the observation of earthworm immunological capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is no substitute for dissection of specimens during the process of identifying earthworms, it is possible in some cases to do so based on external characteristics. These keys were developed over a number of years to assist naturalists, students and specialists to identify earthworms in Algeria without dissection. The key contains six families, 18 genera and 35 species. Each year there are exotic species and those new to science from Algeria, which cause keys to become outdated. Updated nomenclature and taxonomy is also included, plus an illustrated glossary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) in the family Glossoscolecidae has been recorded for the first time from Sikkim. The specimens were collected from different habitats at several altitudinal zones of the study area. The illustrations along with coloured photographic descriptions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Blue Ridge Ecoregion in the United States occurs in six states (Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia). There are 47 species found here, representing 17 genera and seven families (Acanthodrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Komarekionidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae and Sparganophilidae). Twenty-four of the species are considered native (endemic) to North America; all the others are European, Oriental or Pantropical introductions (exotics). A description of the ecoregion and five colour photographs are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Piedmont Ecoregion in the United States occurs in five states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. There are 49 species found here, representing 18 genera and seven families (Acanthodrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Komarekionidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae and Sparganophilidae). Twenty-three of the species are considered native (endemic) to North America; all others are European, Oriental or Pantropical introductions (exotics). A description of the ecoregion and four colour photographs are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Interior River Valleys and Hills Ecoregion in the United States occurs in portions of four states in the American midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri). There are 39 species found here, representing 17 genera and six families (Acanthodrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Komarekionidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae and Sparganophilidae). Nineteen of the species are considered native (endemic) to North America; all others are European, Oriental or Pantropical (exotic) introductions. A description of the ecoregion and two colour photographs are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se describieron tres nuevas especies de Righiodrilus Zicsi, 1995 para la Amazonía: R. andake sp. n., R. inga sp. n. y R. muinanei. Con las nuevas adiciones el género suma 26 especies. Se presenta una clave para las especies y algunos comentarios relacionados con las características y presencia en usos del terreno de Righiodrilus.Three new species of RighiodrilusZicsi, 1995 from Amazonia were described: R. andake sp. n., R. inga sp. n. y R. muinanei sp. n. With these new additions the genus now contains 26 species. A key for species is provided and some remarks related to characteristics and presence of Righiodrilusland uses are furnished.

A small earthworm material from Guadeloupe Islands (French West-Indies) was studied. Altogether 14 earth¬worm species were collected, 12 of which are common tropical peregrine. On the other hand, two seem to be endemic in the islands. One of these native species, Eutrigaster (Graffia) musciphila (James, 1996) is reported for the first time after the original description, the other, Periscolex nevoi sp. nov. is proved to be new to science.

The seven species of earthworms belonging to four families (Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae, Moniligastridae and Octochaetidae) were identified from the study site in India. The earthworms, Megascolex konkanenesis, Lampito mauritii (both natives) and Pontoscolex corethrurus (exotic) were three species common across all the soil types and habitats. Of these seven species, four species (Megascolex cochinensis, Amynthas corticis (= A. diffringens), Drawida travancorensis and Dichogaster affinis) were reported for the first time from Thrissur District. The highest number of natives was recorded from Kolazhy. The anterior and posterior parts of L. mauritii showed signs of regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Corn Belt Plains Ecoregion in the United States occurs in portions of three states: Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, in the American midwest. There are 37 species found here, in 15 genera and five families (Acanthodrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae and Sparganophilidae). Seventeen of the species are considered native (endemic) to North America; all others are European, Oriental or Pantropical introductions (exotic). A description of the ecoregion and three colour photographs are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioavailability of glyphosate from plant residues may be high in the soil matrix. In order to determine the impact of litter contaminated with glyphosate (GLY) on the growth and cocoon production of the earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus as well as on acid and basic phosphatase activities and soil pH, a commercial glyphosate-based herbicide was applied to three types of litter mixed with soil. Earthworms from a GLY -free coffee plantation were grown for 132 days in microcosms in a two-factorial design. The first factor was glyphosate (GLY; 21.6 g of glyphosate per kg of litter, with two levels (− GLY , +GLY ), and the second factor was type of litter ( Coffea arabica , Musa cavendishii, Inga vera ). All studied factors (except days*litter*glyphosate interaction) had significant effects on earthworm biomass ( P < 0.05 ). Treatments with Coffea and Musa litter -GLY had significantly higher biomass ( P < 0.05), whereas treatments with Inga litter -GLY and +GLY had the lowest biomass. A decline in earthworm biomass was detected in all treatments with glyphosate ( +GLY ) after 72 days. No significant effect on cocoon production was detected for the main factors or their interaction. Litter type showed a marginal effect ( P = 0.06 ); the average (± SE) number of cocoons decreased from Musa (5.8 ± 2.9) to Coffea (1.3 ± 0.56) and Inga (0.17 ± 0.17). Soil pH significantly ( P = 0.006) decreased at the end of the experiment from 4.4 ± 0.17 in -GLY to 3.9 ± 0.06 in +GLY . Acid phosphatase activity increased in treatments with Musa and Inga +GLY ( P < 0.05), while alkaline phosphatase activity in the same substrates was higher in treatments with -GLY ( P < 0.05). We conclude that repeated application of litter contaminated with glyphosate negatively affects earthworm vitality and increases soil acidity and acid phosphatase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Florida Coastal Plain Ecoregion in the United States occurs in portions of seven counties in southern Florida. There are 37 species found here in 17 genera and six families (Acanthodrilidae, Eudrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae, and Octochaetidae). Three of the species are native (endemic) to North America (Diplocardia alba, D. eiseni and Pontodrilus bermudensis), all others are European, Oriental, Pantropical or African (exotic) introductions. A description of the ecoregion and three colour photographs are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Coastal Plain Ecoregion in the United States occurs in portions of the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. There are 56 species and three subspecies found here in 19 genera and seven families (Acanthodrilidae, Eudrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae and Sparganophilidae). Thirty of the species are considered native (endemic) to North America, all others are European, Oriental, Pantropical or African introductions (exotic). A description of the ecoregion and one colour photograph is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerations on the identity of Onychochaeta elegans (Cognetti, 1905) (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae) Anatomical variability of Onychochaeta elegans in Cuban populations was studied. A comparison among these populations and O. elegans cubana Michaelsen, 1924 and O. cubana Zicsi, 1995 from Cuba, as well as the descriptions of the typical form of Cognetti (1905) from Panama and Colombian specimens (Righi, 1995) was made. Besides, new materials from Mexico and Panama were added. Variations in anatomical characters in Cuban populations included those present in continental forms, so, there were not any character that justifies the division of O. elegans nor subspecies neither in distinct insular and continental species.

El número deespecies y categoría ecológica delombrices de tierra fuedescrito en ecosistemas naturales y en los principales ecosistemas manejados del estadode Tabasco,México.Los muestreos fueron efectuados de acuerdo al método internacional TSBF (monolitos de 25 x 25 x 30 cm).En función del tipo de sistema y grado deperturbación se realizaron 10 o50 monolitos por sitio. Las familias identificadas fueron: Megascolecidae,Glossoscolecidae y Acanthodrilidae.En los agroecosistemas las especies Pontoscolex corethrurusy Polypheretima elongatadominaron numéricamente. En ecosistemas naturales, las comunidades de lombrices presentaron unaalta diversidad(2.58; índice deShannon). La selva de SantaRosa, Tenosique fue el sitio con mayor número de especies (nueve), la mayoría nativas, delas cuales el 99 % fueron endogeas. Esteestudiocontribuyócontres nuevos registros para el estado de Tabasco. El número de especies y elsistema de uso del suelo registró un gradiente, en el cual los sistemas con mayor cobertura vegetal presentaron la diversidad máxima de lombrices con especiespredominantemente nativas. Las especies nativas, Balanteodrilus pearseiy Lavellodrilus bonampakensis, fueron también capturadas en agroecosistemas, lo que sugiere que presentan un amplio intervalo de tolerancia a diferentes condiciones edáficas.Son necesarios más estudios, estableciendopor un lado patrones de distribucióny por otro experimentos en microcosmos, para sustentar en un futuro el uso potencial de estas lombrices en la restauración de los suelos.

This checklist of the terrestrial Oligochaeta of the state of Hawaii, USA, is based on collection sites from all four counties in the state plus the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. In total, 37 species representing 17 genera and six families (Acanthodrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae and Octochaetidae) are reported from this state. None of the species are native to the state, all are considered European, Neotropical, Oriental, or Pantropical exotic (introduced) species. The most frequently collected species were: Amynthas diffringens (4 counties), Metaphire schmardae (4 counties), Perionyx excavatus (4 counties), Aporrectodea rosea (3 counties), Dendrodrilus rubidus (3 counties), Eisenia foetida (3 counties), and Microscolex dubius (3 counties). There are 21 species which have been reported from Hawaii without reference to city or county. Records of earthworms in the state of Hawai'i are listed by county, and include the ecorgion(s) in which the county occurs, a map highlighting the location of each county in the state, and a list of species thus far reported from that county. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A functional guide for the separation of foreign earthworm taxa (intentionally or coincidentally recorded in South African soils) from native South African taxa is provided. Forty-four earthworm species recorded from South African soils, known as 'exotics' or introduced, which were under secondary attention for many years, are placed in the annotated keys. The family characters for the indigenous Acanthodrilinae, Microchaetidae and Tritogeniidae, and generic/specific foreign taxa of the Benhamiinae, Eudrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae and Ocnerodrilidae are highlighted, keyed and illustrated. An expansive glossary covering terminologies used in earthworm taxonomy is provided and a broad bibliography of South African earthworms is included in the references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Despite the increasing interest in biological invasions by earthworms which cause important changes in soils, biota and ecosystem processes after introduction, little is known about their history of colonisation. Population genetics tools may provide interesting insights into evolutionary processes occurring during an invasion phase; however a prerequisite is the knowledge of genetic variability within the native range of the species. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic variation of a tropical peregrine earthworm, Pontoscolex corethrurus, in French Guiana, a region included within its native range. The clonal variability of this parthenogenetic species was assessed using 106 AFLP loci analysed in 113 individuals from five populations from the Nouragues reserve, in the Amazonian primary forest, and one population from the city of Cayenne. We found a higher level of genetic diversity in populations originating from the most disturbed sites, thus suggesting that dispersal events, probably linked to human activities, supplied these populations with migrants. Moreover, patterns of genetic differentiation between populations suggested accidental transfer of P. corethrurus between Cayenne and the Nouragues reserve as well as between populations of the reserve. Altogether, our results highlighted that AFLPs are adequate molecular markers to trace back the history of colonisation by this species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To more confidently assess phylogenetic relationships among astome ciliates, we obtained small subunit (SSU) rRNA sequences from nine species distributed in six genera and three families: Almophrya bivacuolata, Eudrilophrya complanata, Metaracoelophrya sp. 1, Metaracoelophrya sp. 2, Metaracoelophrya intermedia, Metaradiophrya sp., Njinella prolifera, Paraclausilocola constricta n. gen., n. sp., and Paraclausilocola elongata n. sp. The two new species in the proposed new clausilocolid genus Paraclausilocola n. gen. are astomes with no attachment apparatus, two files of contractile vacuoles, and an arc-like anterior suture that has differentiations of thigmotactic ciliature on the anterior ends of the left kineties of the upper surface. Phylogenetic analyses were undertaken using neighbor-joining, Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony. The nine species of astomes formed a strongly supported clade, showing the subclass Astomatia to be monophyletic and a weakly supported sister clade to the scuticociliates. There were two strongly supported clades within the astomes. However, genera assigned to the same family were found in different clades, and genera assigned to the same order were found in both clades. Thus, astome taxa appear to be paraphyletic when morphology is used to assign species to genera. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nouraguesia gen. nov., consisting of three species, is described from Eastern Amazonia. Species belonging to this genus are middle-sized earthworms inhabiting, based on our experience, decomposing tree logs and space filled with detritus between leaf-axils and trunk (e.g. in some palm species). The new genus is morphologically similar to the genus Andiorrhinus, but differs from it by the presence of numerous caeca encircling the intestine in segment 27. The three species belonging to the newly established genus are known from state Amapa in Brazil (N. amaparis (Righi, 1971)); and French Guiana (N. parare sp. nov., N. souadae sp. nov.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the structure and crystallizatin of erythrocruorin (HbGp), an extracellullar haemoglobin from the earthworm found in Brazil called Glossoscolex paulistus. The study used sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method and PEG and Nextal Classic suites to probe the initial crystallization conditions. Results show that HbGp was purified to homogeneity and cyanomet derivative crystals, which were obtained under the condition of 7.5 pH and from the calcium presence.

Abstract: The giant extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus (HbGp) has a molecular mass (M) of 3600±100kDa and a standard sedimentation coefficient () of 58S, estimated by analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). In the present work, further AUC studies were developed for HbGp, at pH 10.0, which favors oligomeric dissociation into lower M species. The HbGp oligomer is formed by globin chains a , b , c and d plus the linker chains. The pure monomeric fraction, subunit d , and HbGp at pH 10.0, in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol, were also studied. Our results indicate that for samples of pure subunit d , besides the monomeric species with of 2.0S, formation of dimer of subunit d is observed with of around 2.9S. For the whole HbGp at pH 10.0 contributions from monomers, trimers and linkers are observed. No contribution from 58S species was observed for the sample of oxy-HbGp at pH 10.0, showing its complete dissociation. For cyanomet-HbGp form a contribution of 17% is observed for the un-dissociated oligomer, consistent with data from other techniques that show the cyanomet-form is more stable as compared to oxy-HbGp. Masses of HbGp subunits, especially trimer abc and monomeric chains a , b , c and d , were also estimated from sedimentation equilibrium data, and are in agreement with the results from MALDI-TOF-MS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two earthworm species, one exotic (Pontoscolex corethrurus) and the other one native (Glossoscolecidae sp.) from Veracruz, Mexico, were cultivated under laboratory conditions, to collect their castings every 48 h, measure cast production rates and their effects on soil chemical conditions and the concentration of several plant-available nutrients. Both species were cultivated in an Alfisol (La Víbora) and P. corethrurus was also raised in two other soil types, a Vertisol (Plan de las Hayas) and an Andosol (Los Tuxtlas), to measure pH, C, N, C/N, NO 3, NH 4, Na, K, Ca, Mg, CIC, available- totaland resin-P, Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn in the casts and control soil. P. corethrurus surface cast production was highest in soils with low organic matter content. In the Alfisol, Glossoscolecidae sp. produced less casts than P. corethrurus, but promoted the availability of most plant nutrients, especially K, Na Mg, Mn, Fe, K and NH 3. Pontoscolex corethrurus promoted the concentration of most parameters compared with the control in the Andosol and Vertisol; in the Alfisol, about half the parameters were significantly affected. Pontoscolex corethrurus has a high capacity to adapt to different soils and modify their chemical characteristics, promoting the availability of several plant nutrients; this is especially important in organic matter-poor soils, such as the Alfisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La lombriz de tierra gigante (minhocuçu) Rhinodrilus alatus Righi, 1971 es una especie endémica del cerrado del estado de Minas Gerais y ha sido explorada como sebo para la pesca por más de 70 años. El objetivo de este trabajo fue el de validar los marcadores moleculares para estudios genético- poblacionales, de filogenia y filogeografía de este minhocuçu. Los genes rRNA 5.8S, el espaciador interno trascrito (ITS1) y la subunidad I de la citocromo oxidasa (COI) mitocondrial fueron estudiados. Se colectaron individuos de R. alatus (n = 53) en diferentes hábitats del estado Minas Gerais e individuos de R. motucu Righi, 1971 (n = 3) en pantanos del estado de Goiás, Brasil. El análisis filogenético del gen rRNA 5.8S mostró que todas las secuencias de R. alatus, R. motucu y Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826) se unieron en el mismo clado (bootstrap = 98), sugiriendo que, en estos organismos, el gen es conservado. Los clados formados a partir de las secuencias de rRNA 5.8S de invertebrados disponibles en la base de datos son inconsistentes de punto de vista evolutivo, sugiriendo tazas de evolución distintas entre diferentes especies. Para la región del ITS1, se obtuvieron 11 sitios polimórficos, generando nueve haplotipos. Los ejemplares de R. motucu presentaron el haplotipo más frecuente entre los R. alatus de Minas Gerais, no habiendo evidencias moleculares de que sean especies diferentes. Para el gen COI, de un total de 634 pb, se obtuvieron 185 sitios polimórficos, generando árboles filogenéticos con topologia más adecuada, separando R. motucu de R. alatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reevaluation of South American oligochaetes produced 871 known species. Megadrile earthworms have rates of endemism around 90% in South America, while Enchytraeidae have less than 75% endemism, and aquatic oligochaetes have less than 40% endemic taxa in South America. Glossoscolecid species number 429 species in South America alone, a full two-thirds of the known megadrile earthworms. More than half of the South American taxa of Oligochaeta (424) occur in Brazil, being followed by Argentina (208 taxa), Ecuador (163 taxa), and Colombia (142 taxa). Present diversity counts of Oligochaeta are still substantially underscored. Surveys of Enchytraeidae in native forests in São Paulo 30 years ago produced a 100% yield of new species, while this group is still unregistered in the whole northeast region of Brazil. There is clearly much basic research to be done on oligochaetes in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of 50 earthworm species of 22 genera from six families, namely Acanthodrilidae (Acanthodrilinae, Benhamiinae), Eudrilidae (Eudrilinae, Pareudrilinae), Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, and Ocnerodrilidae, not native to South African soils, is reported. Some of the species of Pareudrilinae may be listed temporarily, possibly being indigenous to South Africa. Brief information on family status, species origin and broader distribution is included. Various laboratory and field experiments conducted in South Africa on some species are selectively indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which provides a catalogue, with full synonyms and complete distributions of the Criodrilidae, the Almidae, the Tumakidae, and the Glossoscolecidae of the Quimbaya genus group from the South American continent. The study also discussed some ideas on the origin and relationships of the earthworms Glossoscolecidae. It is noted that the possibly Pangeic Criodrilidae contains the species Criodrilus lacuum while the remaining species are endemic to South America. Tumakidae, however, contains only the primitive glossoscolecoid Tumak.

Summary: Radopholus similis is a worldwide endoparasitic nematode that greatly hampers banana (Musa acuminata, Cavendish subgroup) productivity. Earthworms are known to closely interact with above-ground and under-ground soil biota and particularly with plants and microfaunal communities. This study was aimed at investigating, under greenhouse conditions, the effects of the earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus on banana growth and nutrient uptake, and assessing the influences of this earthworm on the development of an inoculated population of R. similis. Six-week-old tissue culture banana plants were submitted to four treatments: with P. corethrurus, R. similis, P. corethrurus+R. similis, and a control with no earthworms or nematodes. At the end of the experiment, the P. corethrurus treatments showed significantly higher leaf surface areas, shoot dry root weights, and root fresh weights than those without earthworms. This root growth enhancement probably contributed to the evident but non-significant decrease in the density of nematodes in the roots, even though earthworms did not reduce the total number of nematodes per whole root system. Moreover, the presence of earthworms slightly alleviated the severity of root damage. N bioavailability in the soil, along with N, Ca, and Mg content of banana plants, were also significantly increased in the presence of earthworms. Our results demonstrated that banana plant growth and nutrition were positively influenced by earthworms. Cropping practices that boost the development of earthworm communities in soil should therefore be promoted to enhance sustainability and to naturally alleviate nematode impact. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, MALDI-TOF-MS analysis was performed to obtain information on the molecular mass of the different subunits from the giant extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus (HbGp) in the oxy-form. Experiments were performed for the whole protein at pH 7.0, for the partially dissociated protein at pH 9.0, and for the fraction obtained from gel filtration in Sephadex G-200, at pH 9.0, corresponding to the isolated monomer d. Besides that, experiments were performed for the whole protein treated with 2-mercaptoethanol in order to monitor the effects of reduction of the disulfide bonds, which are expected to maintain the trimer (abc) in the native molecule. The results are compared to those reported for the homologous hemoglobin of Lumbricus terrestris (HbLt) and some tentative assignments are made for the observed polypeptides. The monomer d is found to exist in, at least, two major forms of identical proportions with masses of 16,355±25 and 16,428±24Da, respectively. Two minor forms were also observed around 16kDa for the monomers. Upon disulfide bonds reduction the peak associated to the trimer is absent in the mass spectrum, and new peaks assigned tentatively to the monomers a, b and c on the basis of comparison with Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin literature data are observed. Their molecular masses were 18,258±30, 16,492±24 and 17,363±17Da, respectively. Two linker chains for HbGp were also observed at 25,817±50 and 26,761±16Da, and this result is different from HbLt, where four linker chains were reported in the range 24–32kDa. Finally, trimers (abc) were observed at 51–52kDa. This partial characterization, performed for the first time, is an important step in the characterization of subunits of this giant extracellular hemoglobin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the framework of the German-Brazilian SOLOBIOMA project, oligochaete worms (mainly Glossoscolecidae and Enchytraeidae) are being sampled in early, medium, and advanced secondary forests and pastures under different soil conditions in the Brazilian Mata Atlântica (in total 27 sites). One objective of this work is to identify the factors that determine the presence or absence of species. Preliminary results indicate that the species diversity of earthworms is low and does not differ between the various forest and soil types, whereas their abundance and biomass are highly variable. The enchytraeid communities show a different picture with high taxonomic diversity, but low abundance and biomass at nearly all sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to test the influence of food quality (FQ) (soil, soil+maize stubble and soil+the cover crop Mucuna pruriens), soil moisture (SM) (25%, 33% and 42%) and the presence of the earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus on the growth and reproduction of the tropical earthworm species Balanteodrilus pearsei. The experiment was carried out in cultures under laboratory conditions for 100 days. The growth rate of B. pearsei in M. pruriens treatments (10.8mgind−1 day−1) was 3.4 and 8.5 times higher than in maize stubble and soil treatments, respectively. The onset of reproductive activity occurred only after mating. Each earthworm fed on M. pruriens achieved a fertility rate 2 times higher (0.58±0.26 cocoons adult−1 day−1) than earthworms fed on maize stubble. M. pruriens also resulted in significant increases of cocoon weights (10.8±1.4mg). Time of cocoon incubation was the same in M. pruriens and maize stubble treatments (20.4±5 days), with one individual hatching per cocoon. The presence of P. corethrurus had no effect on growth, survival or fertility of B. pearsei. This study demonstrated that M. pruriens had positive effects on the growth and reproduction of B. pearsei. Further research is also needed to determine whether M. pruriens decomposition, N release and crop yields are influenced by the earthworm B. pearsei. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

pH effects on the oligomeric structure of giant Glossoscolex paulistus extracellular hemoglobin in the oxy- and met-forms have been studied as well as effects of the addition of anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant. A radius of gyration of 110 Â is observed for a macromolecule. At 2 mM surfactant, the radius of gyration diminishes slightly for the oxy-form. However, the extrapolated initial scattering intensity (I(0)) decreases a factor of 2.5, indicating protein dissociation. At 20 mM surfactant, further I(0) decrease is observed, with a reduction of radius of gyration to approximately 30 Â consistent with dissociation into smaller subunits. At pH 9.0, the scattering curves are similar to that obtained for the protein in the presence of 20 ms surfactant at pH 7.0. A radius of gyration of approximately 35 Â shows that the giant hemoglobin dissociation into small subunits also occurs at alkaline pH. From the I(0) value, one can suggest that the tetramer is the main scatter at pH 9.0. At pH 7.0, the met-form dissociates to a larger extent at 2 ms surfactant as compared with the oxy-form, and the main scatters seem to be the 1/12 subunit. At pH 9.0, for the oxy-form, the addition of surfactant does not modify the scattering curve and a radius of gyration approximately 30 Â is obtained, while for the met-form some kind of aggregation is observed. Our results give support to conclude that the iron oxidation state is an important factor modulating the oligomeric dissociation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The checklist of earthworm species of Colombia and the patterns of distribution are presented. Data was obtained from collections made from 1872 to 2002. The information come from sporadic taxonomic registers and from some systematic studies conducted in hydrographic basins and savanna regions; both highlight the high diversity of the Andes mountainous areas. Most collections (93.2%) were carried out in the Andean region. The Colombian Oligochaeta comprises 113 species placed in nine families, 30 genera and six subgenera, of which 90 are native and 23 exotic. Most of the species are endemic of the Glossoscolecidae family. Andiodrilus is represented by the greatest number of species (25), while Martiodrilus with 19 species shows the highest habitat diversity, including forests, pastures and even the páramo. Only two species of this family were cosmopolitan (P. corethrurus and O. elegans) currently inhabiting anthropic environments. The species of the other families, excepting Tumak hamenni and Dichogaster medellina, were eurytopic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species belonging to the new genus Hysterocinetoides are described after protargol staining. They were found in the intestine of worms of the genus Alma (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae) from Cameroon. Their buccal apparatus and kinetosomal infraciliature are typically those of the family Hysterocinetidae. But the sucker has an inverted-U shape and is devoid of skeletal fibers and isolated segments of kineties. These characters justify the creation of the new genus. A review of the diversification of genera among the family Hysterocinetidae is followed by a revision of the systematics of the subclass Hysterocinetia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers a report on incidents of predation on giant earthworms by individuals of the brown-banded water snake Helicops angulatus (H. angulatus), a member of the tribe Hydropsini. It focuses on the eating behavior of the aquatic snakes, under the report. It informs that the frogs, their tadpoles, and aquatic lizards are prey for H. angulatus. Predation on earthworms has been reported for several Neotropical snakes including Thamnophis, Storeria, Virginia. The report states that Giant earthworms in the family Glossoscolecidae are the abundant and reliable food resource for H. angulatus.

Abstract: Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller) is a widespread, peregrine earthworm species of the Glossoscolecidae family, native to the Neotropics. This endogeic earthworm shows wide tolerance to environmental variations, being found in many different habitats and soil types throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. To evaluate the life cycle of this species in tropical artificial soil (TAS), a substrate used in ecotoxicological tests, and the influence of food availability and humidity on its growth, earthworms were incubated individually under laboratory conditions. The life cycle was evaluated in four treatments with 24 earthworms (replicates) each: TAS (120g) without additional food (TAS0), TAS with 5g of horse manure (TAS5), TAS with 10g of manure (TAS10) and TAS with 25% greater soil moisture with 5g of manure (TAS5H). Food was provided every 14d and the containers maintained at room temperature (20±4°C). Cocoons collected in the field were placed individually in the different treatments and the hatching date, growth, development, and reproduction followed for 50 weeks after hatching. New cocoons hatched at 34d, adulthood was reached at 8 months, and cocoon deposition began 3 months later, so that its life cycle was completed in 12 months. By the 13th week all juveniles in TAS0 had died due to insufficient food resources, while in the other treatments, all the animals had matured by 44 weeks, with significantly higher biomass and length in TAS10 (0.72g, 5.4cm), compared with TAS5 and TAS5H (0.59–0.61g, 5.1–5.4cm). Growth and weight gain were positively related to food availability, and no negative effect of excess moisture was observed on their growth. With additional food TAS showed no limitations for the development of the species, and it can be used for ecotoxicological tests involving acute toxicity (mortality) and avoidance, although its potential use in chronic tests (reproduction) is more limited. The length of its life cycle and other biological characteristics associated with this parthenogenetic species create some challenges that must be dealt with before this species can be recommended for wider use as a standard ecotoxicological test species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we summarize the current knowledge on earthworm biodiversity in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Up to the present, 54 species of earthworms are known from the State, belonging to seven families and 19 genera. Native species (N =34), dominated over exotics (N =20). The most widespread exotics were Pontoscolex corethrurus (Glossoscolecidae) and several Amynthas spp. (Megascolecidae) and Dichogaster spp. (Acanthodrilidae), generally associated with anthropogenic sites. Of the native species, most (17 spp.) were in the genus Glossoscolex, frequently encountered in chronically wet soils. Further work is warranted, particularly more sampling efforts, but also ecological studies, given the potential biodiversity and agro-ecological importance of earthworms in Paraná. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we present an up-to-date list of the terrestrial earthworms of the state of São Paulo (SP), Brazil. Seventy-seven species are known, of which about 39% are exotic and 61% native, mostly of the Glossoscolecidae (55% of total) and Ocnerodrilidae (17% of total) families. Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) and Amynthas spp. are widespread in the state, while many native species appear to be endemic. Various large-bodied worms (minhocuçus), some intensely harvested for the bait industry, may be endangered. Considering the significance of earthworm activity for soil function, the intensity of land use transformation in Brazil, and the probable existence of new species to be described from SP and other Brazilian states, further sampling efforts and taxonomic training of Brazilian scientists are urgently needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]