Earthworm biodiversity in Sao Paulo state, Brazil

In this paper we present an up-to-date list of the terrestrial earthworms of the state of Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil. Seventy-seven species are known, of which about 39% are exotic and 61% native, mostly of the Glossoscolecidae (55% of,total) and Ocnerodrilidae (17% of total) families. Pontoscolex corethrurus (Muller, 1857) and Amynthas spp. are widespread in the state, while many native species appear to be endemic. Various large-bodied worms (minhocucus), some intensely harvested for the bait industry, may be endangered. Considering the significance of earthworm activity for soil function, the intensity of land use transformation in Brazil, and the probable existence of new species to be described from SP and other Brazilian states, further sampling efforts and taxonomic training of Brazilian scientists are urgently needed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.