Effects of temperature regime on the respiratory activity of developmental stages of Lumbricus rubellus (Lumbricidae)

Rates of carbon dioxide production of cocoons, juveniles and matures of Lumbricus rubellus were measured at five constant (2degreesC, 5degreesC, 10degreesC, 15degreesC, 20degreesC) and three diurnally fluctuating temperature regimes (0-10degreesC, 5-15degreesC, 10-20degreesC) covering the whole range of temperature conditions experienced by this species in forests in Central Germany. Respiration rates of developmental stages significantly increased with temperature both under constant and fluctuating regimes. Overall, at constant temperature regimes Q(10) values for cocoons, juvenile and mature earthworms were 1.6, 2.7 and 2.0, respectively. At fluctuating temperature regimes Q10 values were generally higher with 2.4, 3.6 and 3.5 for cocoons, juvenile and mature earthworms, respectivety. At the same mean temperature respiration rates at fluctuating regimes exceeded those at constant regimes in all developmental stages. (C) 2004 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.