Potting soil selection by the invasive planarian Obama nungara
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Abstract
The invasive South American land planarian Obama nungara has spread rapidly throughout Europe through horticultural trade, raising concerns regarding its impacts on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Despite its expanding distribution, knowledge of the species’ habitat preferences remains limited. We experimentally investigated soil preference in O. nungara using laboratory habitat-choice trials with four commercially available potting soils. Individuals were allowed to move freely between substrates, and their substrate use was recorded. The O. nungara individuals did not select soil type randomly. Most individuals selected the rhododendron soil characterized by low pH, followed by the rose and perennial soil. Planting soil, both with and without extra added lime, was selected less than would be expected by a random choice. These findings suggest that O. nungara prefers acidic substrates, which may facilitate establishment in horticultural environments associated with acidophilic plants and low-pH growing media.
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