Invasive lumbricid earthworms in North America – different life-histories but common dispersal?

Aim
Lumbricid earthworms are invasive across northern North America, causing notable changes in forest ecosystems. During their range expansion, they encountered harsher climatic conditions compared to their native ranges in short time (~400 years). This study investigated if (1) dispersal barriers, (2) climatic selection, or (3) anthropogenic activities, i.e. fishing bait disposal, structure the dispersal of free-living earthworm populations.

Location
North America, forest habitats along former Wisconsinan glaciation line

Taxon
Lumbricus terrestris, L. rubellus

Methods
Lumbricus terrestris and L. rubellus co-occur in the same habitats but differ in ecology and use as fishing bait. Both species were sampled in five transects ranging from the east to the west coast of northern North America, including major dispersal barriers, three different climate zones, and bait shops near sampling locations. Genetic diversity and structure were compared between the two species, and the ...