EARTHWORMS (OLIGOCHAETA: ACANTHODRILIDAE, KOMAREKIONIDAE LUMBRICIDAE, MEGASCOLECIDAE, OCNERODRILIDAE AND SPARGANOPHILIDAE) IN THE RIDGE AND VALLEY ECOREGION (67), USA.

The Ridge and Valley Ecoregion in the United States occurs in portions of nine states in the northeast and southeast. There are 52 species found here representing 17 genera and six families (Acanthodrilidae, Komarekionidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae and Sparganophilidae). Twenty-four 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 six colour photographs are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]