Checklist of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) from Germany Author Lehmitz, Ricarda Author Römbke, Jörg Author Jänsch, Stephan Author Krück, Stefanie Author Beylich, Anneke Author Graefe, Ulfert text Zootaxa 2014 3866 2 221 245 journal article 10.11646/zootaxa.3866.2.3 694de993-b8fb-4ec6-be05-268349510d67 1175-5326 229518 D702EFB4-B025-4CCD-9B20-A213FC94A877 Dendrobaena hortensis ( Michaelsen, 1890 ) Allolobophora subrubicunda forma hortensis Michaelsen, 1890 : 15 . Eisenia veneta var. hortensis : Michaelsen 1900a : 477 ; Wilcke 1949 : 178 ; Zuck 1951 : 128 . Dendrobaena venata hortensis (laps.): Bouché 1972 : 398 . Dendrobaena hortensis : Omodeo, 1956 : 173 ; Easton 1983 : 478 ; Csuzdi & Zicsi 2003 : 119 ; Blakemore 2008 : 29 . Eisenia hortensis : Sims & Gerard 1999 : 84 . Ecology. Epigeic, synanthropic species suitable for vermicomposting and mostly found in composts and dung heaps ( Csuzdi & Zicsi 2003 ). Zoogeographical distribution type . Extensively introduced all over Europe by vermicomposting ( Csuzdi & Zicsi 2003 ). Also introduced into India , South Africa , Argentina , Chile and the United States ( Sims & Gerard 1999 ). Distribution in Germany . Despite rare records in the literature the species is also common in German composts (J. Römbke, unpublished data).