artsprosjektet_59-10_barcoding_earthworms

Study Extent

220 localities covering all Norwegian counties.

Sampling

The collection technique at each locality was qualitative only, to maximize the number of species. At the site, we searched all microhabitats likely to be suitable for earthworms. We mostly used a combination of two methods: (1) turning over rocks, logs or other objects on the ground, or in shallow water; (2) digging with a shovel or trowel in the soil, sand, litter, humus or peat of the ground. Both ways are effective in finding earthworms. We also found many worms in the moss cover of forest floors or rocky surfaces. Worms of all sizes and appearances were hand-picked, but when some kinds were in high numbers, a selection towards sexually mature worms (instead of juveniles) was made. With time I developed a skill to judge when we had "enough" of the diversity at a locality; i.e., I was able to tell the species apart and in most cases even to identify them to morphospecies at the site. The live worms were all collected in a jar or bottle containing water, to wash off dirt and mucus attached to them. After the accumulation of a reasonable number of worms from a site, each worm was picked up from the water using forceps and dropped into 95% ethanol. After killing a bulk of worms in ethanol in a large tube, the tube was shaken, and the now dirty and diluted ethanol was decanted off to remove water and excreted body fluids. After this the tube was refilled with 95% ethanol.

Method steps

1. -

Norway