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چکیده
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Earthworms are often recognized as key organisms in soil ecosystems since they play an important role in improving soil structure, accelerating decomposition of organic matter, and creating biogenic structures that can be utilized by other soil organisms. Globally, ~3500 valid earthworm species have been identified. This research compiles the diversity of different species in different regions of Iran. The studied samples were collected by physical digging of 25 × 50 × 50 cm soil blocks and the samples were identified based on morphological and anatomical characters according to valid keys (Bouché 1,972; Perel, 1979; Sims and Gerard, 1999; Csuzdi and Zicsi, 2003). So far, 32 earthworm species belonging to 18 genera and four families (Lumbricidae, Criodrilidae, Acanthodrilidae, Megascolecidae) were reported from different parts of Iran. Two species, Eisenia malekae and E. omranii, are endemic and seven species, Dendrobaena byblica, D. orientalis, D. pentheri, D. semitica, Healyella syriaca, Helodrilus patriarchalis, and Perelia kaznakovi have a regional distribution. Other species are cosmopolitan. Most species are peregrine but a few species are native to Iran. In this study, the highest diversity and richness indices were recorded from mixed forest habitats.
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