Aporrectodea is a genus of earthworms in the family Lumbricidae. The genus includes some of the most common earthworms in the Palearctic realm and in agricultural soils across the temperate regions of the world.[1]

Aporrectodea
Aporrectodea caliginosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Clade: Pleistoannelida
Clade: Sedentaria
Class: Clitellata
Order: Opisthopora
Family: Lumbricidae
Genus: Aporrectodea
Orley, 1885
Species

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Several species are found throughout the world today, having been widely introduced via agriculture. One of these widespread species, A. trapezoides, was also transported across continents as a popular fishing bait.[2]

Some species of this genus are known to be important in the process of soil formation.[3]

Among the most familiar species is Aporrectodea caliginosa, which has been known as a species complex made up of several very similar taxa whose relationships were not clear. A phylogenetic analysis confirmed that these taxa are separate species, including A. trapezoides, A. tuberculata, A. longa, and A. nocturna.[1]

Species edit

Species include:[4]

References edit