Influence of ground cover on earthworm communities in an unmanaged beech forest: linear gradient studies

Micro-scale changes in earthworm communities and ground cover types were studied along five transect lines in an unmanaged beech forest (Fontainebleau forest, France). Spatial patterns were interpreted in the light of interactions between earthworm species and forest architecture, ground vegetation and quantity as well as quality of litter. The anecic Lumbricus terrestris was associated with patches of the grass Melica uniflora, with poor litter cover, while most epigeic species were favoured by accumulation of litter in the absence of grass vegetation. The endogeic Aporrectodea caliginosa avoided, at least in summer time, 4-year-old gaps opened by wind storms. Under the shade of beeches, the evergreen spiny shrub Ruscus aculeatus, and in opened areas the giant herb, Phytolacca decandra, seemed repellent to most earthworm species.