Distribution of the alien Tubificid worm Branchiura sowerbyi (Beddard, 1892) in Morocco

Abstract

The tubificid worm Branchiura sowerbyi Beddard, 1892 is one of the most successful invasive freshwater oligochaetes worldwide. In the Maghreb region, this species was known only from two localities in Morocco and from one locality in Libya. This paper presents novel information about the current distribution and presence of this invasive species in Morocco, and provides guidance on further areas of research regarding invasive oligochaetes in North African.

Keywords

• alien species
• red worm
• progressive dispersal
• new records
• north africa