Amynthas agrestis

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Amynthas agrestis
Amynthas agrestis.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Clitellata
Order: Opisthopora
Suborder: Lumbricina
Family: Megascolecidae
Genus: Amynthas
Species:
A. agrestis
Binomial name
Amynthas agrestis
(Goto & Hatai, 1899)

Amynthas agrestis, the Asian jumping worm, is a species of worm in the family Megascolecidae.[1] They are described to have smooth, glossy grey or brown body with a milky white clitellum.[2] They also can range from 1.5 to 8 inches in length.[2] Amynthas agrestis is native to Japan and the Korean Peninsula but was introduced to North America due to increased human activity during the 19th century.[3][4][5][6] In the United States, the Asian jumping worm is considered to be an invasive species. Worms within the genus Amynthas are known to reproduce and develop quicker compared to their European counterparts.[7]

Ecology[]

The Amynthas agrestis became a problem in the United States, specifically the Southern United States, during the 19th century. Many ecologists and landscapers have become increasingly concerned about this invasive species.[8]

One of the main concerns is the over-consumption of leaf litter, which will impact the microbial and species diversity of the native soil. Many of these ecological scientists have created ways to control this invasive species. One of the main ways to control Amynthas agrestis is controlled burn in grassy fields and some forests. This method removes leaf litter, the main food source for Amynthas agrestis, which should thoroughly control the overall population of Asian worms.[9]

Lifecycle[]

The Asian jumping worm follows an annual life cycle. At least six months out of the year, the Amynthas agrestis spends its time in the larva stage, then it emerges between May and June.[citation needed]

References[]

  1. ^ "Amynthas agrestis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Asian Jumping Worm | Invasive Species Program | Nebraska". neinvasives.com. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  3. ^ Sever, Megan (2020-09-29). "Invasive jumping worms damage U.S. soil and threaten forests". Science News. Retrieved 2021-03-31.
  4. ^ "Amynthas agrestis (crazy worm)". CABI.org. 2020-01-06. Retrieved 2021-03-31.
  5. ^ "Amynthas agrestis – New York State Urban Forestry Council". New York State Urban Forestry Council. 2017-11-20. Retrieved 2021-03-31.
  6. ^ https://blog.uvm.edu/jgorres/amynthas/[dead link]
  7. ^ "Invasive Asian Jumping Earthworms". Cornell Cooperative Extension. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  8. ^ CHANG, CHIH-HAN; SNYDER, BRUCE A.; SZLAVECZ, KATALIN (2016-10-31). "Asian pheretimoid earthworms in North America north of Mexico: An illustrated key to the genera Amynthas, Metaphire, Pithemera, and Polypheretima (Clitellata: Megascolecidae)". Zootaxa. 4179 (3): 495–529. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4179.3.7. ISSN 1175-5334. PMID 27811684.
  9. ^ Ikeda, Hiroshi; Callaham, Mac A.; O'Brien, Joseph J.; Hornsby, Benjamin S.; Wenk, Evelyn S. (1 March 2015). "Can the invasive earthworm, Amynthas agrestis, be controlled with prescribed fire?". Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 82: 21–27. doi:10.1016/j.soilbio.2014.12.011. ISSN 0038-0717.


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