Interactions between selected, earthworm species: A preliminary, laboratory-based study

Controlled experiments were conducted to assess the effects of earthworm interactions in paired species groupings in comparison to monocultures. Species examined included Allolobophora chlorotica, Aporrectodea longa, Dendrobaena veneta, Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus terrestris and Octolasion cyaneum. One experiment examined growth rates using hatchling worms in 600 mi pots of loamy soil and a feed of separated cattle solids (SCS). The culture medium was also wet-sieved for cocoons when worms matured. A second experiment employed mature A. longa, L. terrestris and O. cyaneum in 21 containers. Treatments here examined intra- and inter-specific interactions assessed in terms of mass change and cocoon production. Mean masses obtained in single species cultures were greater than those from mixed pairings over the same time period. The former also attained a reproductive state more rapidly. D, veneta had the most significant negative effect on other species under the given conditions. Experiment 2 suggested that both intra- and inter-specific competition can affect A. longa, the latter being greater with L. terrestris. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.