[3] It reproduces both parthenogenetically and (rarely) sexually,[4] and under experimental conditions can complete its life cycle in about one year.

[5] It is key to emergence of agriculture in the Amazon Basin, where soil is extremely poor.

[2][6] An endogeic worm creating globular casts, it is considered responsible for soil compaction in sweet potato fields, in maize fields, and in Amazonian pastures newly converted from forest.

This ecosystem engineering also makes it harder for native species to return to their original habitat.

[8] Studies including Ferreira et al., 2021 find that they combine synergistically with biochar.