Ecological determinacy and species differences in the microbiota of earthworms

The results of comparative studies of the microbiocenosis structure of three species of earthworms-lumbricides, decomposing organic waste, are presented. Eisenia andrei (red California worm), Eisenia fetida (dung worm), Lumbricus terrestris (common earthworm) – belonging to different ecological groups. The aim of the work was a comparative analysis of the structure of the intestinal microbiocenosis of lumbricide. Fermented manure was used as a substrate. Selective media were used to identify microorganisms. Seeding was carried out in Petri dishes in five repetitions, incubated at 37 °C. Colonies were counted, CFU/g was determined. Identification included microscopy of Gram-stained smears. It was found that the total amount of intestinal microbiota in the intestinal contents of E. andrei is 3 times more, in E. fetida - 2 times, in L. terrestris - 1.5 times more than in the substrate. (p <0,05). L. Terrestris has 2.7 times more cellulolytic bacteria, E. andrei and E. fetida have 1.3 and 1.2 times more than in the substrate. (p <0,05). E. andrei has 2.2 times more saprophytic fungi, and E. fetida has 1.7 times more than in the substrate. There are 2.6 times more actinomycetes in L. terrestris, 2.0 times more in E. andrei, and 1.2 times more in E. fetida than in the substrate. In the intestine of E. andrei, the number of bacteria mineralizing organophosphates is 2.6 times higher in E. fetida, 2.1 times higher in L. terrestris, and 1.8 times higher than in the substrate. E. andrei has 2.3 times more ammonifying bacteria, E. fetida - 2.2 times more, and L. terrestris - 1.7 times more, compared with the substrate. The microbiota content at the exit from the intestine of E. andrei is higher by 8, E. Fetida – by 7, L. Terrestris - 5 times relative to the substrate.