Climate Influences Invasive Asian Jumping Worm Phenological Events

Creator

Elizabeth SerafinFollow

Preview

Faculty Mentor

Andrea Davalos

Creation Date

4-2023

Description

Originating in Asia, invasive jumping worms were introduced to the US in the 19th century. Three species, Amynthas tokioensis, A. agrestis, and Metaphire hilgendorfi co-occur throughout forests in New York State. Invasive earthworms change soil composition resulting in negative impacts on native ecosystems. We aimed to document growth rate and abundance of jumping worms in correlation with soil and air temperature, soil moisture, and precipitation. Microclimate may influence phenology of these annual species and their population dynamics. Worms were sampled weekly at six sites throughout Taughannock State Park, NY from April to November 2022. Worms increased in length over time as they progressed from juveniles in late April to the first adults seen in late July. This relationship was positively correlated with cumulative growing degree days. In contrast, worm length had a negative correlation with precipitation. This information provides insight on how to manage or reduce spread of these species.