engleski

ErIK: A SOFTWARE PLATFORM FOR IDENTIFICATION OF EARTHWORMS OF CROATIA

The fauna of invertebrates in Croatia is insufficiently researched. A frequent reason lies in "unattractiveness" of taxa and insufficient availability of determination keys. Particularly unexplored are soil invertebrates both in Croatia and Europe which has recently being changed due to the importance of edaphobionts for functionality and health of ecosystems. One group of edaphobionts are earthworms (Lumbricidae). So far 68 species distributed in 17 genera have been recorded for Croatia, of which 10 endemic species have a particular faunistic significance. In order to facilitate their determination we have developed Earthworm Identification Key ‐ ErIK as a computer program. The key is designed so that usage of different tools and images facilitates determination to species level. The main window contains descriptions (anatomy and morphology, distribution), map with species records, drawing of the species and the list of all species in Croatia. Determination can be carried out in two ways, using tabular and dichotomous key. The tabular key enables entering morphological and anatomical parameters of observed individuals. A total of 18 parameters can be inserted, but not all for key to function. The dichotomous key is based on a classic determination key with two choices. There is a manual with description of all morphological and anatomical characteristics within the software. The software is free and available for download from a website.

Lumbricidae; tabular key; dichotomous key

nije evidentirano