The influence of nonnative earthworms (Annelida: Crassiclitellata: Lumbricidae) on oribatid mite communities in a boreal forest stand

Abstract

Nonnative earthworm species are invading the boreal forest in North America. Oribatid mites are key detritivores in boreal forest soils, initiating litter decomposition and maintaining forest floor structure. Earthworms are also detritivores and are considered ecosystem engineers. When introduced into nonendemic environments, earthworms may alter soil biogeochemical cycling and adversely affect oribatid mite communities. However, to our knowledge, no field studies in boreal forests have investigated invasive earthworms and their impacts on oribatid mites. The present study was conducted in a boreal trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides Michaux (Salicaceae), stand near Wolf Lake, Alberta, Canada. After assessing the current state of earthworm invasion, we identified an area with a lower density of earthworms that was invaded by one species, Dendrobaena octaedra Savigny (Crassiclitellata: Lumbricidae), and an area with a higher density of earthworms that was invaded by multiple species, D. octaedra (Crassiclitellata: Lumbricidae) and Aporrectodea spp. (Crassiclitellata: Lumbricidae). The higher-density area was associated with lower understorey vegetation species richness and with thinner forest floors characterised by higher bulk density but lower total organic carbon and nitrogen stocks. Oribatid mite community composition differed between the two areas, and their richness significantly decreased with higher earthworm density. Our findings suggest that earthworm invasion is substantially disrupting habitat for oribatid mites and might affect the overall boreal ecosystem equilibrium in the long term.