Life cycle traits of the parthenogenetic earthworm Octolasion cyaneum (Savigny, 1826)

Lowe, Christopher N. orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-3893-7371 and Butt, Kevin R. orcid iconORCID: 0000-0003-0886-7795 (2008) Life cycle traits of the parthenogenetic earthworm Octolasion cyaneum (Savigny, 1826). European Journal of Soil Biology, 44 (5-6). pp. 541-544. ISSN 1164-5563

[thumbnail of Publisher's post-print for classroom teaching and internal training purposes at UCLan] PDF (Publisher's post-print for classroom teaching and internal training purposes at UCLan) - Published Version
Restricted to Registered users only

156kB

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejsobi.2008.08.002

Abstract

This laboratory-based study provides baseline life cycle data for the obligatory parthenogenetic earthworm Octolasion cyaneum. Singleton and twin hatchlings were cultured individually with biomass, survival and reproductive condition recorded at 4-weekly intervals during a complete year. After maturation, cocoon production, masses and incubation time were also recorded along with viability and number of hatchlings per cocoon. Individual mean mass of singletons was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than twins at the outset (0.042 and 0.025 g respectively) and remained so until week 52 (2.22 and 1.96 g respectively). Singletons matured more rapidly than twins (24 vs. 32 weeks respectively) and produced more cocoons than twins (3.2 and 2.2 coc worm−1 (4 weeks)−1 respectively). Approximately 20% of all viable cocoons produced twins. Singleton hatchlings weighed significantly (P < 0.05) more than twin hatchlings (0.032 and 0.018 g respectively) but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between mean masses of singleton (mean masses 0.033 and 0.032 g) or twin (0.017 and 0.018 g) hatchlings produced by singleton and twin parents. The likelihood that a cocoon contained twins or a singleton was not influenced by the singleton/twin status of the parent. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the incubation times of cocoons produced by singletons and twins (129 and 128 days respectively).


Repository Staff Only: item control page