Detecting genetic variation in exotic earthworms, Aporrectodea spp. (Lumbricidae), in Australian soils using RAPD markers

The earthworm fauna of agricultural soils in southern Australia is dominated by accidentally introduced lumbricids (Aporrectodea spp.) from Europe. RAPD analyses were used to generate indices of molecular similarity (M) between: (1) individuals within single populations of the parthenogenetic A. trapezoides (M=85.6%) and the closely-related, but bi-parental, A. caliginosa (M=77.1%); (2) separate populations of A. trapezoides (M=64.9–86.8%); and (3) different Aporrectodea spp. (M=46.6–64.8%) in Australia. RAPDs may be used in future to trace the origins of introduced lumbricid populations in Australia within their native European distributions and help determine their ecological appropriateness for their new habitats.