Abstract:Earthworms play an important part in transformation of organic residues and soil nutrient cycling.In order to determine the diets and the capacity of degrading organic substances,cellulase,protease acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were measured in the gut of an epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida and an anecic earthworm Pheretima guillemi. Activity of protease,phosphatases and rate of CO 2 evolution were compared between casts of Pheretima guillemi and uningested soil.Cellulase activity was...