Characteristics of Invasion Earthworms in North American Hardwood Forests

The earthworm invasion in North American forest has caused negative impacts on species diversity and biological process. However, the nature and extent of the influence of earthworm invasions on structure and function of these forest ecosystems remain largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the abundance, richness, distribution, density, and biomass of earthworms in the Huron Mountains old-growth forests. The results showed over 73% of the examined forest plots were occupied by the earthworm and the abundance of earthworm ranged from 11 to 17 worm/m2, with the high earthworm density in Hemlock-Red Pine-Jack Pine forests than in Maple-Aspen-Poplar and Maple-Beech-Birch forests in the study area. The total dry weight of the earthworm was about 0.31, 0.28, and 0.18 g/m2 in the Hemlock-Red Pine-Jack Pine, Maple-Beech-Birch, and Maple-Aspen-Poplar forests, respectively. The average length and dry weight of individual juvenile earthworms was quite similar for the three forest types (about 29.5 mm for the length and 0.02 g for the dry weight per earthworm). The dry weight of individual earthworms was tightly related to its length. No relationships were found between litterfall amount on forest floor and the density, biomass and length of earthworm in the examined three forest types. Presenters:Madeleine NaliwkoGraduate Student, Biology - College of Arts and SciencesQuincy SantomieriUndergraduate Student, Biology - College of Arts and Science