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Journal of Applied Sciences

Year: 2009 | Volume: 9 | Issue: 20 | Page No.: 3746-3751
DOI: 10.3923/jas.2009.3746.3751
Identification of Earthworms species in Sari Township in Northern Iran, 2007-2008
Z. Yousefi, M. Ramezani, S.Kh. Akbari Mohamadi, R.A. Mohammadpour and A. Nemati

Abstract: The aim of this study is identification of earthworm species gathered from the geographic regions of Sari Township. Samples gathered from different regions of Sari Township fixed by formaldehyde and alcohol solution in several stages and placed into formalin tubes (5%), in addition to providing sample characteristics tabled by Graff identification key, fixed earthworms are recognized. After recognition, analysis obtained data from geographical information of sampling regions and from original and microscopical observations of morphological characteristics were performed using SPSS with statistical tests (Chi square, ANOVA). From 644 samples gathered, 345 adult samples were recognizable and identified. Five species were recognized, including: Eisenia fetida (120 samples), Dendrobaena byblica (67 samples), Allolobophora caliginosa (58 samples), Allolobophora kaznakovi (52 samples) and Allolobophora jassyensis (45 samples). Meanwhile, two samples were regenerating and one sample was unknown. The average weight in adult earthworms was 0.54±0.23 (g), while 69.23±16.24 (mm) for their length and the number of segments averaging 100.48±18.96. The greatest weight, length and number of segments belonged to the Allolobophora caliginous. This study showed that the dominant species in Sari Township with 34.8% amplitude (120 samples), belonged to Eisenia fetida. This species obtained from all regions of Sari Township, included: plains (45%), forests (31%), littorals (18%) and mountains (6%).

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How to cite this article
Z. Yousefi, M. Ramezani, S.Kh. Akbari Mohamadi, R.A. Mohammadpour and A. Nemati, 2009. Identification of Earthworms species in Sari Township in Northern Iran, 2007-2008. Journal of Applied Sciences, 9: 3746-3751.

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