Effects of seasonal and diurnal temperature fluctuations on population dynamics of two epigeic earthworm species in forest soil

► Seasonal and diurnal temperature fluctuations affect performance of epigeic earthworms. ► Earthworms benefit from reduction of diurnal temperature fluctuations. ► L. rubellus and D. octaedra differentially respond to freeze/thaw fluctuations in winter. ► Long-term coexistence of epigeic earthworms is affected by temperature fluctuations.