MISSION:

• increase scientific literacy and public understanding of the role of exotic species in ecosystems change.

• provide the tools and resources for citizens to actively contribute in documenting the distributions of exotic earthworms and their impacts across the region.

• train educators and other community leaders to help build understanding of the methods and results of scientific research about exotic earthworms and forest ecosystems ecology.

The story of exotic earthworms began…

So…

How widespread are these invasions?

Earthworms - selected species and ecological groups:

Epigeic (litter dwelling) species: live & feed in forest floor; reddish brown, 2-8 cm

Dendrobaena octeadra / Dendrodrilus rubidus Lumbricus rubellus

Endogeic (soil dwelling) species: live & feed in mineral soil; grey color; 7 – 12 cm

Octolasion tyrtaeum and Aporrectodea species

Anecic species: burrow deeply but feed on surface; red-brown; 10 – 20 cm

Lumbricus terrestris

Illustrated guide to exotic earthworms found in the Great Lakes Region

To use this guide you need :

1) 10x magnification

2) preserved earthworms

Great Lakes Worm Watch

Earthworm anatomy and characteristics used in this key:

The clitellum (a swollen band-like area near the head end of an earthworm) and it’s associated features called the tuberculata pubertatis (TP) and genital tumescence (GT) are part of the reproductive system of and earthworm. Therefore, if an earthworm has a clitellum, it is an adult and if not, it is a juvenile. The position, shape and color of the clitellum and it’s TP and GT are important features used to identify earthworm species (details on page #).

The setae are small hair-like projections on the body of earthworms. The setae are attached to muscles and are used for locomotion. There are several different setae patterns which are important features useful in identifying both adult and juvenile earthworm (details on page #).

The male pore is an external opening where sperm is released during reproduction. It is often obvious due to glandular swelling. It is generally on segment 15 (so useful when counting segments) but in some earthworm species is on segments 14 or 13 so is a features useful for identifying these particular species (details on page #).

Earthworms have segmented bodies and various anatomical features used for identification are located on different segments. Therefore, you may need to count (from nose to tail) the number of segments to determine the position of different features (details on page #).

The proboscis (mouth parts) type can vary among different earthworm species and may be useful in identification (details on page #).

The presence or absence of pigmentation (usually brown or red-brown) is an important feature that distinguishes different ecological groups of earthworms (details on page #).

Cross-sectional view (left) and ¾ view (right) of “closely paired” setae pattern where distance B is much greater than distance A and setae are clustered on the ventral

(belly) side of the earthworm.

AB

Cross-sectional view (left) and ¾ view (right) of “widely paired” setae pattern where distance B is only slightly

greater than distance A

The setae (hair-like projections) on each segment in European earthworm species (family Lumbricidae) appear as 8 long rows running the length of the body. These rows are arranged relative to each other in one of three patterns. In the two most common patterns, the rows are arranged in pairs that are either closely or widely spaced. NOTE: The difference between closely and widely paired setae includes differences in the amount of space between the two rows of setae in each pair ( “A” in illustrations), the distance between the pairs (“B” in illustrations), and the arrangement of the setae around the body.

Earthworm setae arrangements (1st of 3 pages):

Closely paired setae: Widely paired setae:

A

B

Earthworm Segments: Various anatomical features used for identification of earthworm species are often located in different places on the body for different species. Therefore, you may need to count (from mouth to tail) the number of segments to determine the position of different features …

At the very top is the proboscis, or mouth

segment 1segment 2segment 3

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.segment 15 (male pore)

.

.

.

.

.segment 32

(start of clitellum)..

segment 37 (end of clitellum)

.

.

Sometimes furrows develop in the middle of a segment. Don’t be fooled by the this and over count the number of segments!

Intersegmental furrows

Segments, separated by and internal

membrane called a septum

SegmentsIntersegmental

furrows

Earthworm clitellum features:

The tuberculata pubertatis (TP) and genital tumescence (GT) are features associated with the earthworm’s clitellum. They can vary in position, shape and color among different species, so are useful in identification. If the earthworm is not fully mature, then these features may not be fully developed and you must take this into account when using these features for identification. The function of the TP and GT are not fully understood, though we assume they play some role in reproduction!

• The tuberculata pubertatis (TP), are two slightly swollen and usually differently colored areas on each side of the ventral (belly) surface of the clitellum.

• The genital tumescence (GT), are small swollen areas around setae (so they are often paired as are the setae) on each side of the ventral surface of the clitellum. GT may also be seen above or below the clitellum region or associate with male & female pores.

The shape and color of the TP and the number and positions of the GT vary quite a bit among species and some species have none. So see the species descriptions for their particular characteristics.

If this clitellum starts on segment 25,

then… The TP starts on

segment 26,and…

The TP ends on segment 29

Pairs of GT are present on segments 24 through 31

in these images, indicated onthe left by grey arrows.

Aporrectodea caliginosa complex (includes species A. caliginosa and A. tuberculata)

This group contain two very closely related and often difficult to distinguish soil dwelling (endogeic) species A. caliginosa and A. tuberculata, which are separated by the patterns of their GT. If the clitellum features are well developed enough to make the distinction, then do so. If not, then these get lumped into a single group called A. caliginosa complex.

Other Identifying Features:• non-pigmented • male pores on segment 15• clitellum on segments 27-34• size ranges generally between 9-15 cm (AT)• mouth proboscis is epilobic

A. caliginosa (above) has GT on alternating and consecutive segments (27, 30, and 32 through 34). GT on segment 27 are not readily visible in the photograph (left). This can often be the case, depending on how well developed the clitellum is.

Both species have closely paired setae

Both A. caliginosa & A. tuberculata are unique in that they have a notched TP.

A. tuberculata (above) has GT on alternating segments only (30, 32, 34).

Examples of underdeveloped clitellum features:

When the TP are underdeveloped each can appear as two circles or triangles side by side (see above). As the feature develops, the two sections merge to form the notched TP of the full adult. These species can sometimes be confused with A. trapezoides which does not have a notched TP.

What can I do?

1) Spread the word …

2) Prevent further introductions by avoiding activities that we know spread earthworms.

3) Alert us of new invasions!

www.greatlakeswormwatch.org