New records and remarks on earthworms of the Vojvodina Province (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae, Criodrilidae)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the results of the recent collecting earthworms, with new localities and new habitats in Vojvodina Province. The sporadic field investigation was carried out during 2013-2020. In this paper we report new records of Criodrilus lacuum Hoffmeister, 1845 (family Criodrilidae) proved to be new species for the fauna of Vojvodina Province. Also, information on the taxonomic status of individual species was provided. Fifteen earthworm species and subspecies from family Lumbricidae have been registered. Six taxa were found to be synonymous with nominal species, so that the number decreases to 31 species, from 10 genera. Our data demonstrate clearly that the earthworm fauna of the Vojvodina Province is relatively poor, monotonous and that the impact of intensification of agricultural practices effect on loss of soil biodiversity.

Keywords

• earthworms
• oligochaeta
• lumbricidae
• criodrilidae
• vojvodina province