Identifying juvenile earthworms can be incredibly challenging due to their lack of distinguishing physical features. My paper presents a new method using multiplex PCR, which allows us to accurately identify cocoons, juvenile and adult jumping worms. This technique is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than previous approaches, making it a valuable tool for studying the spread and ecological effects of these earthworms.

Learn more about the method and its applications in Applied Soil Ecology .

Jumping worm hatchlings

Hatchlings

Tiny, threadlike juveniles just emerging from cocoons.

Jumping worm juveniles

Juveniles

Hard to identify by sightโ€”hence the need for DNA tools.

Larger juvenile jumping worm, likely *Amynthas agrestis* or *Metaphire hilgendorfi*

Larger Juvenile

Likely A. agrestis or M. hilgendorfi.

Jumping worm hatchlings

Hatchlings

Early life stages waiting to reshape the soil.

*Amynthas agrestis* juveniles/pre-adults

Pre-adults

Amynthas agrestis juveniles approaching maturity.

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