Diversity and Distribution of Earthworms In Relation To Soil Factors Around Udupi Power Corporation Limited UPCL Karnataka India

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineEarthworm species diversity and distribution patterns have been studied in relation to soil factors around Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), Karnataka, in the selected habitats (residential, forest, agriculture) during September 2014-August 2017. A total of 17 species of earthworms belonging to 11 genera in 4 families were recorded. The species include, Drawida ampullacea, D. kanarensis, Drawida sp.(kanarensis group), D. sulcata, Drawida sp. (sulcata group), Drawida sp.(unidentified) of the family Moniligastridae; Lampito mauritii, Megascolex konkanensis, Metaphire houlleti, M. peguana, Perionyx excavatus of the family Megascolecidae; Dichogaster bolaui, Hoplochaetella karnatakensis, Karmiella karnatakensis, Mallehulla indica, Octochaetona Beatrix of the family Octochaetidae; and Pontoscolex corethrurus of the family Rhinodrilidae. Of these, 13 are native species and D. bolaui, M. houlleti, M. peguana and P. corethrurus are the naturalised exotic species. D. ampullacea, H. karnatakensis, K. karnatakensis, and M. indica are endemic to Karnataka. M. peguana is recorded for the first time from Karnataka. The maximum number of species are recorded in the residential habitat followed by the forest and agricultural habitats.A significant difference was observed in the species richness with temperature and species abundance with moisture. newlineA systematic seasonal distribution and abundance of four species of earthworms newlineP. corethrurus, M. konkanensis, M. houll eti and K. karnatakensis ) in relation to soil factors newlinewere also carried out during 2014 2016. Among the four species, P. corethrurus and newlineM. houlleti were recorded throughout the year. The more abundance of P. corethrurus was newlinerecorded in the residential ha bitat during monsoon and less abundance in agricultural habitat newlineduring post monsoon period. M. konkanensis was recorded from agricultural habitat with a newlinemaximum number during monsoon and with a minimum number in forest habitat during post newlinemonsoon period. M . houlleti was recorded in maximum number in