Selection of various Streptomyces species by Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligochaeta)

Abstract

Individuals of Enchytraeus crypticus (Oligachaeta) are attracted by 15-20% of Streptomyces species, mycelia-forming, gram-positive bacteria which had been isolated from the gut of earthworms as well as from soil. E. crypticus preferred living mycelia to autoclaved mycelia from the attractive strains. Comparative studies revealed that diffusable metabolites from S. lividans and S. nogalater were chosen, whereas those from S. reticuli were repulsive for E. crypticus. Streptomycetes can serve as sole nutrient source for E. crypticus, whose propagation rate correlated with the attractivity of the mycelia.