Predation is often difficult to observe or quantify for species that are rare, very small, aquatic or nocturnal. The assessment of such species' diet can be conducted using molecular methods that target prey DNA remaining in predators' guts and faeces. These techniques do not require high taxonomic expertise, are applicable to soft-bodied prey and allow for identification at the species level. ...

The tropical earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus (Rhinodrilidae, Oligochaeta) presents a broad distribution (e.g., 56 countries from four continents). It is generally assumed that temperature appears to limit the success of tropical exotic species in temperate climates. However, the distribution range of this species could advance towards higher elevations (with lower temperatures) where no tropi...

The effect of temperature on the refractory period in nerve fibres is of the same magnitude as its effect on the duration of the action potential (Tasaki, 1949) or as the effect of temperature on the duration of the falling phase of the spike (Adrian, 1921). Temperature coefficients (Q10) as high as 4 have been calculated for the refractory period in single fibres of the frog by Schoepfle & Erl...

Asian pheretimoid earthworms (e.g. Amynthas and Metaphire spp.) are invading North American forests and consuming the vital detrital layer that forest floor biota [including the keystone species Plethodon cinereus (Eastern Red-backed Salamander)], rely on for protection, food, and habitat. Plethodon cinereus population declines have been associated with leaf litter loss following the invasion o...

The objective of this study was to relate earthworm assemblage structure with three different soil use intensities, and to indentify the physical, chemical, and microbiological soil variables that are associated to the observed differences. Three soil uses were evaluated: 1-Fifty year old naturalized grasslands, low use intensity; 2-Recent agricultural fields, intermediate use intensity, and 3-...

The wastewater generated in dairy industry contains very high organic loading and total solids and is mostly treated in ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant ), where the sludge is formed increasing the expenditure for processing and disposal along with the operation cost. Earthworms body act as a ‘biofilter’ and they were found to increase the removal efficiency of BOD3 – 89.3 %, 86.5 %, 91.6 %, COD –...

Earthworms have generally a positive impact on plant growth, which is often attributed to a trophic mechanism: namely, earthworms increase the release of mineral nutrients from soil litter and organic matter. An alternative hypothesis has been proposed since the discovery of a signal molecule (Indole Acetic Acid) in earthworm faeces. In this study, we used methodologies developed in plant scien...

The earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme (EFE), belonging to a group of serine proteases with strong fibrinolytic activity, has been used in a mixture as an oral drug for prevention and treatment of thrombosis in East Asia. The EFE component b (EFE-b) is one of seven EFE components from Eisenia fetida, and among them it has nearly the highest fibrinolytic activity. Here, we report its crystal structur...

Actinomycetes from earthworm castings were isolated and screened for their antimicrobial activity and industrial enzymes. A total of 48 isolates were obtained from 12 samples of earthworm castings. Highest numbers of isolates were recovered from forest site (58.33 %) as compared to grassland (25%) and agricultural land (16.66%). The growth patterns, mycelial coloration of abundance actinomycete...