Résumé
Humans have transported exotic earthworms throughout the world, and in some situations these may become invasive, modifying soil properties and processes, and plant growth significantly; either positively or negatively. Fifty-one exotic and up to seven peregine native earthworm species are known from Brazil, generally from agroecosystems or other disturbed sites close to human habitations. Eight species are considered invasive, and another sixteen are potentially invasive; however, little is known of the effects of most of these species on plants, soil properties, processes, and native species. Lumbricids and some acanthodrilid species are found primarily in the south and southeast of Brazil, where the cooler subtropical climate is more suitable to their activities. Other acanthodrilids (primarily Dichogaster spp.), the megascolecid Amynthas spp. and Pontoscolex corethrurus are widespread throughout Brazil, and sometimes invade native ecosystems, thus serving as disturbance indicators. However, only a few earthworm species have been studied in more detail, mainly the Amynthas spp. and P. corethrurus. Available results seem to indicate that the activities of these earthworm species can lead to both positive and negative effects on soils, plants and the native biota, and that this may depend on the site's characteristics (soil, climate and vegetation types). Nevertheless, considering the large diversity of earthworms in Brazil, and the little available information, much more work is warranted (and urgently necessary) to adequately assess and predict the diversity, distribution and potential environmental impacts, positive or negative, of invasive earthworms in Brazil.