Biological invasions belowground-earthworms as invasive species

Abstract

Current views of biological invasions in terrestrial ecosystems have been dominated by what we see above the soil surface-exotic plants, vertebrates and insects (e.g., Pimentel 2002; Sax et al. 2005). Less conspicuous, but equally important with respect to ecosystem processes are invasions by soil organisms, which are occurring literally beneath our feet (Ehrenfeld and Scott 2001). Familiar examples include the South American fire ant (Solenopis invicta) which has invaded southern North America and Australia, and the New Zealand flatworm (Arthurdendyus triangulatus) which has become wide-spread in the United Kingdom; both have caused considerable ecological and economic damage. © 2006 Springer.