The Foreign Oligochaete Species Quistadrilus multisetosus (Smith, 1900) in Lake Geneva: Morphological and Molecular Characterization and Environmental Influences on its Distribution

ABSTRACT: The presence of the oligochaete species Quistadrilus multisetosus (Smith, 1900), originating from North America, has been mentioned in Europe for some decades and was recently found in Swiss lakes. Here, we report its repartition and abundance in Lake Geneva based on morphological and eDNA surveys and study its ecology and invasive potential in this lake. We also provide an identification key of this species and two closely related species and describe the phylogenetic position of Q. multisetosus within several Tubificinae lineages based on the cytochrome c oxidase marker. Our results showed that this species was restricted to an area close to the outlet of a wastewater treatment plant and to a combined sewer overflow, was highly tolerant to organic matter pollution and had a limited capacity to disseminate in this lake. Even if the trophic status (oligo-mesotrophic) of Lake Geneva seems unfavorable for the development of this species, we recommend continuing monitoring its presence in this lake in the future, as the current warming of waters could contribute to its expansion.

PROVIDER: PRJEB42602 | ENA |

REPOSITORIES: ENA