Live foldscope imaging of two environmentally beneficial earthworm species and their early developmental stages

Earthworms are extensively referred as farmer's friends, play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and promoting agricultural sustainability. Based on the ecological distribution of numerous species in soil the epigeic earthworms were taken into consideration as they have an excellent source for vermicomposting. In addition to this, earthworms also have a tremendous regeneration ability varies depending on the species. Eudrilus eugeniae and Perionyx excavatus are the two epigeic earthworm species were taken for the study. Species identification of newly hatched and juvenile earthworms are very difficult, due to its smaller size, immature body segments, and absence of clitellum. Here, we used foldscope (a paper-microscope) as an ideal tool for species identification by live examining the morphological characteristics, internal organs, and regeneration ability of newly hatched and juvenile earthworms, precisely. Notably, clear differentiation in the arrangement of setae and numbers of hearts present in both species were observed using a foldscope microscope. Regeneration studies reveals that both the species have prodigious regeneration potential at their newly hatched and juvenile stages which is identified and documented with foldscope. However, both species are environmentally and economically important, and their precise identification is very vital for environmental restoration, research, and agriculture practices.