Influence of temperature on the reproduction of the earthworm Eisenia foetida (Oligochaeta) |
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| Authors: | AJ Reinecke JR Kriel |
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| Institution: | Department of Zoology, Potchefstroom University for C.H.E., Potchefstroom 2520 |
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| Abstract: | An experimental investigation revealed that cocoon production by E. foetida (Oligochaeta) increased linearly with increase in temperature in the range 10 to 25 °C. Diurnally fluctuating temperature did not have a marked influence on total cocoon production at the temperature levels of 10, 15 and 25 °C. A highly significant difference in cocoon production occurred between a constant temperature of 20 °C and a mean temperature of 20 °C (which fluctuated diurnally between 12 and 28 °C). Maximum cocoon production was obtained at 25 °C with each worm producing a cocoon every second day. The investigation also showed that temperature does influence the number of hatchlings per cocoon. At a temperature of 25 °C fewer worms hatched per cocoon than at 20 °C. |
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