The effects of fungi on food selection by Lumbricus terrestris L.

Abstract

As early as 1 8 81, Darwin observed that earthworms could readily distinguish between leaves of various plant species. A detailed study of earthworm food preferences by Satchell and Lowe (1967) established that Lwnbricus terrestris L. had a strong preference for leaves of elm ( Ulmus spp.), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), whereas leaves of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and oak (Quercus spp.) were disliked. A positive preference was also shown for weathered litter as opposed to unweathered. They also investigated certain chemical and physical factors of the leaves which might have influenced feeding preference and found that the content of nitrogen, soluble carbohydrates and polyphenols could be broadly correlated with leaf palatability.