The life history, abundance, distribution and resilience of R. The distribution range of the species was expanded from two to 17 counties. Significant differences in the length and diameter of the body and in the diameter and depth of the aestivation chambers were found between the juveniles and adults.

The earthworm’s annual cycle is markedly seasonal, with an aestivation period throughout the driest and coldest season of the year. The Capture Per Unit Effort was 4.4+-5 individuals per 100 metres of transect and 5.6 +-3 individuals per hour. We found that this earthworm is abundant in all of the sampled areas, showing its resilience to land-use conversion. alatus were investigated in Cerrado, pastures and Eucalyptus plantation areas following the harvesting activities of the local extractors of this species. The life history, distribution and abundance of R. The goal of this study was to gather ecological data about this species, which will support the establishment of management strategies. Rhinodrilus alatus is an endemic giant earthworm of the Brazilian Cerrado hotspot used as live bait for about 80 years.

Download largest earthworm in the world