The earthworms of Bano de Oro, Luguillo experimental forest, Puerto Rico

The earthworm fauna of the four forest types al the Bano de Oro region of the Luquillo Experimental Forest was sampled over 6 months. Eight species were found: two Glossoscolecidae, one Ocnerodrilidae, four Megascolecidae, and one Eudrilidae. The total species density and biomass showed no significant correlation to forest type or soil depth, but some species did show different distribution patterns according to certain soil properties. Exotic species were more abundant, but native species accounted for most of the biomass. Species number and density were low when compared with similar studies in other neotropical forests. This could be due to the high moisture content of the soils and its effects on other soil properties. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.