Octolasion lacteum
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| Octolasion lacteum | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| A picture of an O.Lacteum in its natural moist environment[1] | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Annelida |
| Clade: | Pleistoannelida |
| Clade: | Sedentaria |
| Class: | Clitellata |
| Order: | Opisthopora |
| Family: | Lumbricidae |
| Genus: | Octolasion |
| Species: | O. lacteum |
| Binomial name | |
| Octolasion lacteum Örley, 1885 | |
Octolasion lacteum is a species of earthworm of the genus Octolasion. In New Zealand it has been found in West Coast soils and in Canterbury.[2] They are found in mostly moist areas deep under the soil as they feed in the nutrients within the soil.[3][4] Unlike other worm species, these are known to survive in acidic soil as well as soil that is not as organic compared to other places.[5] They provide some important roles in the ecosystem as well as threats to other species as well. After a drought, they help the soil get more organic by adding more carbon dioxide in the soil and the waste from the O. lacteum also provides nutrients for the soil.[6] In another case, they can also be invasive in a way that they suck up carbon in the soil which means plants have less causing a disruption to the food web.[7] Lastly, they reproduce by cross parthogenic reproduction.[8]
Octolasion lacteum is a species of earthworm in the genus Octolasion, family Lumbricidae.[9] They were first in New Zealand in N.A. Martin's garden around the 1970s.[4] The DNA found within the specific species is also found to be able to deal with high radiation exposure.[10]
Habitat
Mostly all O. lacteum live under soil in moist environments mainly. They are commonly found inside mould and muddy soil.[11] They can be found in a broader range of environmental conditions unlike other worm species. They can be found in acidic soil with a pH of 4.7 as well as less organic soils with an organic matter[12] of 7.3%. In some cases, they can also be found in an organic matter of between 4.3% and 5.5%.[5] Also, they are found to compete with plants for resources. As they are known to eat a lot, plants suck up the nutrients available for them limiting the growth of the worms. In order for them to survive, the environment needs to be plant free in a moist muddy environment.[3] They are also found to be able to survive in areas of high radiation exposure.[10] Unlike other species of worms, O. lacteum lives deep under the soil feeding on soil nutrients rather than leaf litter.[7]