Earthworms of the banana groves from tenerife (Canary Islands)

Abstract

A total of 20 earthworm species were identified. Two of them, Metaphire californica and Pontoscolex corethrurus, are recorded for the first time on Tenerife. The discovery of the latter species constitutes also a new record for the Canary Islands, and thus the geographical area of its distribution in Macaronesia is enlarged. Furthermore, two species groups are recognized, the first comprises exotic earthworms clearly associated with tropical plantations ( Amynthas conicis, A. gracilis, A. morrisi, A. rodericensis and Pithemera bicincta), introduced by man from the 15th century onwards, and thus forming part of modern Canarian fauna. The second group includes a considerable number of lumbricids which are widely distributed throughout the subhumid thermo-canarian zone ( Allolobophora chlorotica, Eisenia andrei and E. eiseni, among others) which were able to Actapt themselves to the prevailing conditions in areas of banana production. The present article also includes information concerning the chemical characteristics of the soils where the studied species live. The soils of the South-Southwest slopes of Tenerife are principally alkaline and harbour a considerably poorer earthworm fauna.