Search

The performance of four species of earthworm––Eudrilus eugeniae, Kinberg, Drawida willsi Michaelsen, Lampito mauritii, Kinberg and Perionyx excavatus, Perrier––born and grown in vermireactors fed with paper waste was studied over six months, in terms of vermicast output per unit feed, production of offspring, and increase in worm zoomass. These were compared with the performance of the previous generation which had been raised to adulthood on cowdung as principal feed before shifting them to vermireactors operating on cowdung-spiked paper waste. The results indicated that except with D. willsi of which the second generation performed only a shade better than the first, there was significant improvement in vermicast output, animal growth, and reproduction in the second generation compared to the first. The results indicated that cowdung-spiked paper waste can be an adequate food for successive generations of earthworms and that reactors can be operated indefinitely on this feed. The results also indicated that the earthworm generations born and raised in vermireactors operated on this feed become better vermiconverters of this feed than the parent earthworms.

The state of Goiás and the Federal District together cover an area of about 346 thousand km2, including the diversified Cerrado vegetation, also known as the Brazilian Savanna, a biodiversity hotspot with many endangered and endemic species. Much of the Cerrado has been converted to agriculture, but little is known of its earthworms, and the impacts of land use management and agricultural practices on their density and diversity. In the present paper we review the known earthworm species in Goiás and the Federal District based on historical and museum records, and update information on their distribution and populations in different counties and land use systems with data from recent samplings. Five additional species are reported here for the first time, raising the total to 12 species currently known from Goiás, from the families Benhamiidae (1), Glossoscolecidae (1), Megascolecidae (3), Ocnerodrilidae (2) and Rhinodrilidae (5). In the Federal District, an additional 10 species are reported, bringing the total to 23 earthworm species, belonging to the families Benhamiidae (4), Eudrilidae (1), Glossoscolecidae (2), Ocnerodrilidae (1), Lumbricidae (2), Megascolecidae (1) and Rhinodrilidae (12). Native species in Goiás (6) were found in areas with lesser disturbance, such as in native forest and flooded areas/river banks, a phenomenon also observed in the Federal District. On the other hand, the exotic and peregrine species found in Goiás (6) and in the Federal District (9) dominated in disturbed sites, such as perennial crops, agroforestry, annual crops, urban areas, secondary forests, pastures and agropastoral systems, among others. Given the many new species found and the extension of Goiás and the Federal District, further effort is needed to adequately characterize the earthworm fauna of the region, from where many other species are expected.

In the current paper we present an updated checklist of all the megadrile earthworms (Crassiclitellata: Annelida) in the world, and notes on the distribution of families worldwide. Biogeographic responses to geological phenomena including plate tectonics, as well as to past and present climate and habitat distributions, are the main factors determining the present distribution of earthworm families. A total of ca. 5,738 species/subspecies (5,406 species and 332 unique subspecies; i.e., not counting the nomino-typical subspecies) belonging to 23 families (including one non-crassiclitellate family: Moniligastridae) are currently recognized worldwide, of which three families (Tritogeniidae and Kazimierzidae from Southern Africa and Arecoidae, a new family from Brazil described herein), 35 genera and close to 1200 new taxa (including subspecies) were described in the 21st century. Nonetheless, the large number of still undescribed species will likely increase this value to well over 8,000 species. Ten families are monospecific and/or monogeneric and have a mostly restricted distribution. On the other hand, more than 87 widespread cosmopolitan species have been catalogued, some of them with important invasive potential, belonging mainly to families Lumbricidae, Acanthodrilidae, Benhamiidae, Megascolecidae, Rhinodrilidae and Ocnerodrilidae. Taxonomic housekeeping was performed for the preoccupied Rhinodrilidae genus Tairona Righi – herein substituted by Taironina nom. nov., and Guarani camaqua Rodríguez & Lima was reinstated and removed from synonymy with Criodrilus lacuum Hoffmeister, 1845, resulting in a wider definition of the Almidae family. Furthermore, Amynthas maximalis nom. nov. is proposed herein as a substitution name for the preoccupied name Amynthas maximus Qiu & Dong, 2019, and Arecoidae is proposed herein as a new monotypic family for the aquamegadrile species Areco reco Righi, Ayres & Bittencourt, 1978.

This paper describes four new species of earthworms, Amynthas shinanmontis sp. nov., Amynthas chilanensis sp. nov., Amynthas bilineatus sp. nov., and Amynthas cruxus sp. nov. from Taiwan. Amynthas shinanmontis is sexthecate and parthenogenetic with individuals with various levels of degeneration of spermathecae and male reproductive organs. It occurs at elevations of 1700–2700 m in the Central Mountain Range in southern Taiwan. Amynthas bilineatus and A. chilanensis are athecate and also parthenogenetic. They occur, respectively, at elevations of 1000 m in the central region and 1325 m in the northeastern region of Taiwan. Amynthas cruxus is octothecate, amphimictic, and occurs at elevations of 900–1700 m in southern Taiwan. This paper also discusses confusion and dilemma caused by uncertain, speculative synonyms and parthenogenetic morphs in species delimitation in oligochaete taxonomy, and recommends the use of absolute synonyms and phylogenetic species concept.

The introduction, establishment and spread of non-native earthworm species in North America have been ongoing for centuries. These introductions have occurred across the continent and in some ecosystems have resulted in considerable modifications to ecosystem processes and functions associated with above- and belowground foodwebs. However, many areas of North America have either never been colonized by introduced earthworms, or have soils that are still inhabited exclusively by native earthworm fauna. Although several modes of transport and subsequent proliferation of non-native earthworms have been identified, little effort has been made to interrupt the flow of new species into new areas. Examples of major avenues for introduction of earthworms are the fish-bait, horticulture, and vermicomposting industries. In this paper we examine land management practices that influence the establishment of introduced species in several ecosystem types, and identify situations where land management may be useful in limiting the spread of introduced earthworm species. Finally, we discuss methods to regulate the importation of earthworms and earthworm-containing media so that introduction of new exotic species can be minimized or avoided. Although our focus in this paper is necessarily North American, many of the management and policy options presented here could be applicable to the problem of earthworm invasions in other parts of the world.

Genus Amynthas Kinberg, 1867 Amynthas aeruginosus Kinberg, 1867: 101 Described from Guam (sub lapidibus prope rivulum). Distributed worldwide, recorded under numerous synonyms (Blakemore 2004 b). In RSA Dlamini (2002) reported it from the Eshowe area (KZN). Recorded in the NMSAD from greens of Pretoria Country Club and Hartbeespoort Dam (GP). Twenty-three records refer to KZN cultivated land under experimental study in Baynesfield grassland, Eshowe avocado field, and grassland at Cedara Agriculture College. Ten records refer to natural habitats in the Doreen Clark Nat. Res., in Queen Elizabeth Park at its border with the Victoria Country Club, and at Ngome Forest (all KZN). Amynthas corticis (Kinberg, 1867: 102) Described from Oahu, Hawaii (sub cortice arborum). Known from tropical and temperate regions, transported by man. In RSA known from numerous natural, often protected, areas and cultivated sites. Reported from number of localities in MP, GP, NW, FS, KZN, EC and WC by Zicsi & Pajor (1992), Zicsi & Reinecke (1992) and Zicsi (1998). Common in decomposed litter in indigenous forests, and plantations. Occurs in small populations. Found with other introduced megascolecids, and the microchaetid Proandricus pajori (Plisko, 1993). Blakemore (2004 b), Sims (1987) and some other authors place Amynthas diffringens in synonymy with corticis. In the present paper diffringens is accepted as a valid species (see below). Amynthas diffringens (Baird, 1869: 40) Described from Plas Machynleth, North Wales. Broadly distributed by man all over the world. In RSA reported by Michaelsen (1913 a, c), Ljungström (1972), Dlamini (2002) and Horn et al. (2007) from nearly 50 natural and cultivated habitats in LP, GP, NW, FS, KZN, EC, and WC. Occurs in variable morphs, in large populations. Reproduces parthenogenetically in morphs often recorded under synonyms. In the material collected during the last 20 years commonly observed variations may include: variably sized spermathecae and variably shaped diverticula; prostate glands single or paired, juvenile, rudimentary, usually variously reduced in size, or lacking. Male sterility was commonly observed in material collected in chemically contaminated, polluted fields, greenhouses and composting heaps (unpubl. notes). Gates (1972) also recorded male sterility and various reductions of prostatic glands in Burmese individuals. Sims and Easton (1972) designated this species name for a species-group, inserting a number of related species. Blakemore (2004 b) synonymized it with corticis. However, the material accredited in this paper to this species differs from corticis by highly developed male sterility. Amynthas gracilis (Kinberg, 1867:102) Described from Rio de Janeiro (‘ in horto botanico ’). The indigenous range of this species is probably in South-East Asia; presently widely distributed and known from warm temperate zones, and numerous greenhouses, from all continents and many islands. In RSA recorded by Zicsi and Reinecke (1992) from Nelspruit and Sabie (MP), and Zicsi (1998) from Tsitsikamma National Park (WC), collected together with D. r. rubidus. Amynthas hawayanus (Rosa, 1891: 396) Described from Hawaii. The original species range is believed to be China (Gates 1972); currently distributed all over the world. In RSA broadly distributed in LP, MP GP, NW, KZN, and EC, occurring in moderate populations in natural biotopes and agricultural fields. Recorded by Ljungström (1972), Reynolds & Reinecke (1976), and Dlamini (2002). In the NMSAD recorded from 71 sites. Sims and Easton (1972) designated the species name for a species-group assembling species with related features. Easton (1982) and others found this species to be a junior synonym of gracilis; however, it is considered valid in this paper. Amynthas minimus (Horst, 1893: 66) Described from Tijbodas, Java. Distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical zones. In RSA occurs in numerous sites in indigenous forests with exotic plantations (LP). Occurs commonly in natural habitats in protected areas, and in grasslands, cultivated fields, and arable fields undergoing experimental cultivation on a number of farms (KZN). Recorded in large populations by Ljungström (1972), Zicsi (1998) and Dlamini (2002) from numerous sites in KZN. Horn et al. (2007) recorded it from LP; Zicsi and Reinecke (1992) reported it from Sabie and Nelspruit (MP). Once reported from the Stutterheim area (Zicsi 1998). In the NMSAD recorded 27 times from various biotopes, confirming its broad distribution and its abundance. Amynthas morrisi (Beddard, 1892: 166) Described probably from Pengang, (?) Malaysia.Known worldwide from tropical and temperate regions, natural and agriculture fields, and numerous greenhouses. In RSA collected by Zicsi and Reinecke (1992) from the riverbank in Potchefstroom (NW), and the Sabie area (MP). Recorded in the NMSAD from Pretoria city parks and greens (GP). Amynthas rodericensis (Grube, 1879: 554) Described from Rodriguez. Known from many parts of the world, from variable habitats; distributed by man. In RSA collected from over 100 sites in natural and cultivated fields by Ljungström (1972) from numerous sites in LP, KZN and EC, and by Zicsi and Reinecke (1992) from Skukuza (LP), Sabie area, Nelspruit, Graskop (MP) and various sites in KZN. Zicsi (1998) and Dlamini (2002) collected it from a number of localities in KZN. Horn et al. (2007) reported it from Drakensberg North, New Agatha (LP)., Published as part of Plisko, Jadwiga Danuta, 2010, Megadrile earthworm taxa introduced to South African soils (Oligochaeta: Acanthodrilidae, Eudrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae), pp. 289 in African Invertebrates 51 (2) on pages 302-303, DOI: 10.5733/afin.051.0204, http://zenodo.org/record/7913539, {"references":["KINBERG, J. G. H. 1867. Annulata nova. Ofversigt af Kongliga Vetenskaps-akademiens Forhandlingar 23: 97 - 100.","DLAMINI, T. C. 2002. Influence of land use on soil organic matter status, microbial biomass C and size and composition of earthworm communities in northern KwaZulu-Natal. MSc (Agric) dissertation. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal.","ZICSI, A. & PAJOR, I. 1992. Uber die Regenwurmer (Oligochaeta) in den Natal-Drakensbergen Sudafrika. Opuscula zoologica 25: 125 - 136.","ZICSI, A. & REINECKE, A. J. 1992. Regenwurmer aus dem Kruger National Park in Sud Afrika (Oligochaeta: Eudrilidae). Acta zoologica Academiae scientiarum hungaricae 38 (1 - 2): 149 - 158.","SIMS, R. W. 1987. Review of the central African earthworm family Eudrilidae (Oligochaeta). In: Bonvicini, A. M. & Omodeo, P., eds, On Earthworm Selected Symposia and Monographs U. Z. I., 2. Modena: Mucchi, pp. 359 - 388.","BAIRD, W. 1869. Description of a new species of earthworm (Megascolex diffringens) found in north Wales. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1869: 40 - 43.","LJUNGSTROM, P. O. 1972. Introduced earthworms of South Africa. On their taxonomy, distribution, history of introduction and on the extermination of endemic earthworms. Zoologische Jahrbucher. Abteilung fur Systematik 99: 1 - 81.","HORN, J. L., PLISKO, J. D. & HAMER, M. L. 2007. The leaf-litter earthworm fauna (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of forests in Limpopo Province, South Africa: diversity, communities and conservation. African Zoology 42 (2): 172 - 179.","GATES, G. E. 1972. Burmese earthworms, an introduction to the systematics and biology of megadrile oligochaetes with special references to southeast Asia. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society 62 (7): 1 - 362.","SIMS, R. W. & EASTON, E. G. 1972. A numerical revision of the earthworm genus Pheretima auct. (Megascolecidae: Oligochaeta) with the recognition of new genera and an appendix on the earthworms collected by the Royal Society North Borneo Expedition. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 4 (3): 169 - 268.","REYNOLDS, J. W. & REINECKE, A. J. 1976. A preliminary survey of the earthworms of the Kruger National Park, South Africa (Oligochaeta: Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae and Octochaetidae). Wetenskaplike Bydraes van die PU vir CHO, Reeks B: Natuurwetenskappe 89: 1 - 19.","EASTON, E. G. 1982. Australian pheretmoid earthworms (Megascolecida: Oligochaeta): a synopsis with the description of a new genus and five new species. Australian Jornal of Zoolgy 30: 711 - 735."]}

Metaphire iranomala sp. nov. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 2ECB8639-C770-4828-92D9-055E0778E422 Figs 1–3, Tables 2–3 Pheretima anomala (non Pheretima anomala Michaelsen, 1907) – Thai et al. 2004: 758. – Nguyen 2014: 108. – Nguyen et al. 2017a: 893, fig. 7; 2017b: 98, fig. 3; Nguyen et al. 2019: 120, fig. 3. Metaphire anomala – Nguyen et al. 2016: 50. Diagnosis Medium-sized worm, length 157–228 mm, diameter 6.5–8.0 mm, segments 85–145. Prostomium epilobous. Clitellum annular, within xiv–xvi. First dorsal pore in 12/13. Four pairs of spermathecal pores on ventrolateral intersegments 5/6/7/8/9. Male pores on the setal ring of segment xix; copulatory pouches present. Genital markings absent. Holandric. Testis sacs connected. Intestinal caeca simple. Septa 8/9/10 absent. Etymology The epithet ‘ iranomala ’ is formed by the prefix ‘ ir ’ and ‘ anomala ’ to emphasise the wrong name ‘ anomala ’ recorded in Vietnam. Material examined Holotype VIETNAM • mature spec.; Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Con Dao National Park; 8°42′12″N; 106°35′41″ E; 120 m a.s.l.; 19 Oct. 2019; Nguyen Thanh Tung and Nguyen Thi Bao Ngoc leg.; natural forest; CTU-EW.020.h01. Paratypes VIETNAM • 9 matures; same collection data as for holotype; CTU-EW.020.p02. Other material VIETNAM – Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province • 16 matures; same collection data as for holotype; CTU-EW.020.03 • 10 matures; Con Son Island; 8°41′59″ N, 106°36′54″ E; 10 m a.s.l.; 18 Oct. 2019; Nguyen Thanh Tung and Nguyen Thi Bao Ngoc leg.; residential gardens; CTU-EW.020.04 • 33 matures; Con Son Island; 8°39′53″ N, 106°34′00″ E; 20 m a.s.l.; 19 Oct. 2019; Nguyen Thanh Tung and Nguyen Thi Bao Ngoc leg.; natural forest; CTU-EW.020.05. – Kien Giang Province • 1 mature; Da Dung mountain; 10°25′07″ N, 104°28′46″ E; Nov. 2010; Nguyen Thanh Tung leg.; natural forest; CTU- EW.DNA.020.23 • 49 matures; Lai Son Island; 09°48′01″ N, 104°39′18″ E; Nov. 2013; Trinh Thi Kim Binh leg.; natural forest; CTU-EW.020.11. – An Giang Province • 57 matures; Cam mountain; 10°30′36″ N, 105°00′09″ E; Nov. 2010; Nguyen Thanh Tung leg.; natural forest; CTU-EW.020.12 • 2 matures; Cam mountain; 10°30′36″ N, 105°00′09″ E; Nov. 2010; Nguyen Thanh Tung leg.; natural forest; IEBR-EW.020.22. – Dong Nai Province • 2 matures; Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve; 11°06′46″ N, 107°03′12″ E; Oct. 2019; Nguyen Quoc Nam leg.; natural forest; IEBR-EW.020.18a • 3 matures; Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve; 11°06′46″ N, 107°03′12″ E; Oct. 2019; Nguyen Quoc Nam leg.; natural forest; CTU-EW.DNA.020.18b • 7 matures; Cat Tien National Park; 11°26′05″ N, 107°25′45″ E; Oct. 2013; Le Van Nhan leg.; natural forest; CTU-EW.020.07. – Tay Ninh Province • 1 mature; Duong minh Chau District; 11°22′59″ N, 106°12′00″ E; Sep. 2019; Nguyen Quoc Nam leg.; home garden; IEBR-EW.020.16 • 6 matures; Ba Den mountain; 11°23′26″ N, 106°09′19″ E; Sep. 2019; Nguyen Quoc Nam leg.; mango gardens; CTU-EW.020.17. Description Body cylindrical, large-medium size, length 157–228 mm, diameter 6.5–8.0 mm, segments 85–145, weight 3.0–8.4 gr. Dorsum slightly dark grey, ventrum paler. Prostomium epilobous. First dorsal pore in 12/13. Perichaetine, setae at pre-clitellar segments stouter and sparser than that at post-clitellar segments; setal numbers: 55–62 in viii, 65–71 in xxx, 10–16 between male pores on xix. Setal distance: aa> ab, zz> zy. Clitellum annular, within xiv–xvi, darkish brown, without dorsal pores and setae. Female pore single, mid-ventral in xiv. Four pairs of spermathecal pores on ventrolateral intersegments 5/6/7/8/9. Ventral distance between spermathecal pores ca 0.27–0.3 body circumference. Male pores on copulatory pouches in xix; ventral distance between male pores ca 0.2–0.3 body circumference. Genital markings absent in both spermathecal and male pores region. Septa 5/6/7/8 thickened, 8/9/10 absent, 10/11/12 thin. Oesophageal gizzard between 7/8 and 10/11. Intestine origin at xv; caeca simple, short within xxvii-xxiv. Last hearts in xiii. Pharyngeal micronephridia developed in 5/6/7. Lymph glands absent. Typhlosole simple, lamelliform. Spermathecae paired in vi–ix. Spermathecal ampulla large, mango-shaped; duct about a quarter of ampulla length. Diverticula attached to the base of ampulla ducts; distal part strongly coiled, swollen into coiled sinusoidal seminal chambers. Spermathecal ducts without nephridia. Accessory glands absent in the spermathecal region. Holandric. Testis sacs in x and xi, connected ventrally. Seminal vesicles well developed in xi and xii. Ovaries on septum 12/13 posteriorly. Prostate glands, deeply lobuled, paired in xvii–xxi; prostatic ducts C-shaped. Accessory glands massed, covered the copulatory pouches. DNA barcode COI barcode data (partial) is for the paratypes uploaded to GenBank under the accession numbers MW076191, MW076192, MW076193, MW076194, MW076195, and MW076196. The new species shares the identity of 88.13% and 88.33% with Metaphire anomala (KU262251, KU565252, KU565253, KU565254). Habitat The species was found in leaf-litters or in the top-soil layer, especially in moist places (near streams) or in rocky holes with organic matter. Metaphire iranomala sp. nov. has a soft body, violet light skin when alive. Its moving behavior is similar to a caterpillar locomotion. The species was commonly located in hilly/mountainous areas, but occasionally found in deltas. Variations Metaphire iranomala sp. nov. has two slightly different morphological types. The first type is more likely to be distributed in islands or in coastal provinces in Vietnam; the other type is found in mainland provinces. 1 Freshly collected specimens; 2 Bantaowong et al. (2011); 3 Gates (1925, 1972) and Stephenson (1929); 4 Michaelsen (1907). 1 Goto & Hatai (1899) and Blakemore (2016b); 2 Cognetti (1908). There are not many differences between the two types except the ventral distance between the male pores (0.2–0.22 vs 0.25–0.3). However, the COI genetic distance also distinguishes two types (see below). Remarks The new species has been previously identified as Metaphire anomala. It is widely distributed in Southern Vietnam (Thai et al. 2004; Nguyen 2014; Nguyen et al. 2017a, 2017b, 2019, 2020). However, this species is very different from both the original description (Michaelsen 1907), and re-description of M. anomala from Myanmar (Gates 1925, 1972), Thailand (Bantaowong et al. 2011) in the position of male pores, number and position of spermathecal pores, genital markings in male and spermathecal regions and body size. These differences are summarised in Table 2. A few Metaphire species have been known to exhibit male pores not in segment xviii. Only M. anomala has male pores on xx, whereas two other species, M. isselii Cognetti, 1908 and M. megascolidioides Goto & Hatai, 1899, have male pores on xix. The new species is similar to these two species by having male pores on xix, a first dorsal pore in 12/13 and the absence of genital markings in the spermathecal region. However, the new earthworm species is clearly distinguished by body size, the number and position of spermathecal pores, the morphology of its male region, the status of septum 8/9, and they type of intestinal caeca. The differences are summarised in Table 3., Published as part of Nguyen, Tung T., Lam, Dang H. & Nguyen, Anh D., 2021, Notes on the earthworm species, Metaphire anomala (Michaelsen, 1907) (Clitellata, Megascolecidae) in Southern Vietnam, with descriptions of two new species, pp. 94-111 in European Journal of Taxonomy 746 on pages 98-103, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.746.1321, http://zenodo.org/record/4709138, {"references":["Michaelsen W. 1907. Neue Oligochaten von Vorder-Indien, Ceylon, Burma und den Andaman-Inseln. Mitteilungen aus dem naturhistorischen Museum in Hamburg 24: 143 - 193.","Thai T. B., Huynh T. K. H. & Nguyen D. A. 2004. Remarks of earthworms on the islands in southern of Vietnam. Proceedings of the national Workshop on the basic Issues in Life Science. Hanoi Science and Technics Publishing House: 757 - 760.","Nguyen T. T. 2014. Checklist and some remarks on faunistic characteristics of earthworms in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Journal of Science, Cantho University, Section A: Science, Technology and Environment 32: 106 - 119.","Nguyen T. T., Trinh K. B. T., Nguyen H. L. T. & Nguyen A. D. 2017 a. Earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) from islands of Kien Hai District, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam, with descriptions of two new species and one subspecies. Journal of Natural History 51 (15 - 16): 883 - 915. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222933.2017.1294213","Nguyen Q. N., Nguyen V. T., Duong C. T., Le V. N. & Nguyen T. T. 2019. Species diversity of earthworms in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam. Tap Chi Sinh Hoc 41 (2): 117 - 129.","Nguyen T. T., Nguyen A. D., Tran T. T. B. & Blakemore R. J. 2016. A comprehensive checklist of earthworm species and subspecies from Vietnam (Annelida: Clitellata: Oligochaeta: Almidae, Eudrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Moniligastridae, Ocnerodrilidae, Octochaetidae). Zootaxa 4140: 1 - 92. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4140.1.1","Bantaowong U., Chanabun R., Tongkerd P., Sutcharit C., James S. W. & Panha S. 2011. A new species of the terrestrial earthworm of the genus Metaphire Sims and Easton, 1972 from Thailand with redescription of some species. Tropical Natural History 11 (1): 55 - 69.","Gates G. E. 1925. Some notes on Pheretima anomola, Mich. and a related species new to India and Burma. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 15 (9): 538 - 550. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222932508633244","Gates G. E. 1972. Burmese earthworms: an introduction to the systematics and biology of Megadrile oligochaetes with special reference to Southeast Asia. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society 62: 1 - 326. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 1006214","Stephenson J. 1929. The Oligochaeta of the lndawgyi lake (upper Burma). Records of the Indian Museum 31: 225 - 239.","Cognetti M. L. 1908. Contributo alla conscenza della drilofauna papuasica. Bollettino dei musei di zoologia ed anatomia comparata della R. Universita di Torino 23 (584): 1 - 4.","Goto S. & Hatai S. 1899. New or imperfectly known species of earthworm. Annotationes Zoologicae Japonenses 3 (2): 13 - 24.","Blakemore R. J. 2016 b. Eco-taxonomic profile and mtDNA barcode of Metaphire megascolidioides (Goto & Hatai, 1899) - a megadrile earthworm from Japan, plus miscellaneous taxonomic mending. VermEcology Occasional Papers 1: 1 - 16.","Nguyen T. T., Nguyen P. H., Truong T. A. & Nguyen Q. N. 2017 b. Diversity and distribution of earthworms in Ba Ria, Vung Tau Province. Journal of Science, Can Tho University 53 (A): 96 - 107.","Nguyen T. T., Lam D. H., Trinh B. T. K. & Nguyen A. D. 2020. The megascolecid earthworms (Annelida, Oligochaeta, Megascolecidae) in the Phu Quoc island, Vietnam, with descriptions of three new species. ZooKeys 932: 1 - 25. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 932.50314"]}

102. Perionyx kempi Stephenson, 1914 Perionyx kempi Stephenson, 1914a: 389. T. Kobo in Abor Hills, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Doju Bung (Julka 1981), Zero Camp Namdapha (Halder et al. 2007)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 293, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Stephenson, J. (1914 a) Zoological results of the Abor Expedition, 1911 - 1912. Oligochaeta. Records of the Indian Museum, 8, 365 - 410. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 1193","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Halder, K. R., Dhani, S. & Mandal, C. K. (2007) On some earthworms present in unnamed collections of Zoological Survey of India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 107, 79 - 93."]}

124. Tonoscolex kabakensis Julka, 1981 Tonoscolex kabakensis Julka, 1981: 30. T. Kabak, district Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 296, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53."]}

123. Tonoscolex indicus Julka, 1981 Tonoscolex indicus Julka, 1981: 29. T. Siki, district Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Taliha (Julka 1981), Seiom (Julka 1981), Ayumuring (Julka 1981), Doginalo (Julka 1981), Lemeking (Julka 1981)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 295, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53."]}

42. Dichogaster affinis (Michaelsen, 1890) Benhamia affinis Michaelsen, 1890b: 9. Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) affinis (Michaelsen). Csuzdi 1996: 357. Further synonyms in Blakemore (2010: 224). T. Quilimane, Mozambique. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Taliha (Julka 1981). Meghalaya: Tura (Julka 1988a). Tripura: Unspecified localities (Chaudhuri et al. 2008, 2009, 2012; Jamatia & Chaudhuri 2017)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 285, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Michaelsen, W. (1890 b) Beschreibung der von Herrn Dr. Stuhlmann im Mundungsgebiet des Sambesi gesammelten Terricolen. Jahrbuch der hamburgischen wissenschaftlichen Anstalten, 7, 1 - 30.","Csuzdi, Cs. (1996) Revision der Unterfamilie Benhamiinae Michaelsen, 1897 (Oligochaeta: Acanthodrilidae). Mitteilungen aus dem Zoologischen Museum in Berlin, 72, 347 - 367. https: // doi. org / 10.1002 / mmnz. 19960720219","Blakemore, R. J. (2010) Cosmopolitan Earthworms-an Eco-Taxonomic Guide to the Peregrine Species of the World. 4 th Edition. VermEcology So (i) lutions, Yokohama, 850 pp., 350 figs., Internet links. [December 2010]","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Julka, J. M. (1988 a) The Fauna of India and the adjacent countries. Megadrile Oligochaeta (Earthworms). Haplotaxida: Lumbricina: Megascolecoidea: Octochaetidae. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, 400 pp.","Chaudhuri, P. S., Nath, S. & Paliwal, R. (2008) Earthworm population of rubber plantations (Hevea brasiliensis) in Tripura, India. Tropical Ecology, 49, 225 - 234.","Chaudhuri, P. S., Nath, S., Bhattacharjee, S. & Paliwal, R. (2009) Biomass, density and diversity of earthworms under rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations in Tripura, India. The Bioscan, 4 (3), 475 - 479.","Chaudhuri, P. S., Dey, A., Bhattacharjee, G. & Nath, S. (2012) Earthworm diversity in Tripura - present status. Science & Culture, 78 (7 - 8), 343 - 346.","Jamatia, S. K. S. & Chaudhuri, P. S. (2017) Earthworm community structure under tea plantations (Camellia sinensis) of Tripura (India). Tropical Ecology, 58, 105 - 113."]}

104. Perionyx macintoshi Beddard, 1883 Perionyx ���m���intoshii ��� Beddard, 1883: 217. ? Lampito dubius Stephenson, 1916: 315. ? Megascolex dubius (Stephenson). Stephenson 1923: 240. Perionyx macintoshi Beddard. Gates 1972: 144 (for complete synonymy). T. Akyab, Myanmar. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Yame (Julka 1981), Pabin (Julka 1981), Damin (Julka 1981), Vidak (Julka 1981), ca. 7.5 km S of Mursing village (Julka & Halder 1975). Meghalaya: Dumpep (Gates 1952), Cantonment Hill Cherrapunji (Stephenson 1924b), Cherrapunji (Michaelsen 1910), Mawsmai Cave Cherrapunji (Halder 1999b). Mizoram: Pachhunga University College Aizawl (Lalthanzara & Ramanujam 2014), unspecified localities (Lalthanzara et al. 2011; Ramanujam et al. 2004). Tripura: Unspecified localities (Chaudhuri et al. 2012). West Bengal: ? Kurseong (Stephenson 1916), near Goomti Rest House Mahanadi (Julka 1975)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 293, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Beddard, F. E. (1883) Note on some earthworms from India. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Series 6, 12 (70), 213 - 224. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 00222938309459619","Stephenson, J. (1916) On a collection of Oligochaeta belonging to the Indian Museum. Records of the Indian Museum, 12, 299 - 354.","Stephenson, J. (1923) Oligochaeta. The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma, Taylor and Francis, London, 518 pp.","Gates, G. E. (1972) Burmese earthworms. An introduction to the systematics and biology of megadrile oligochaetes with special reference to southeast Asia. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, 62 (7), 1 - 326. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 1006214","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Julka, J. M. & Halder, K. R. (1975) On the occurrence of the giant earthworm, Perionyx macintoshi Beddard, in Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh (India). Proceedings of the Zoological Society of Calcutta, 28, 15 - 17.","Gates, G. E. (1952) On some earthworms from Burma. American Museum Novitates, No. 1555, 1 - 13.","Stephenson, J. (1924 b) On some Indian Oligochaeta, with a description of two new genera of Ocnerodrilinae. Records of the Indian Museum, 26, 317 - 365.","Michaelsen, W. (1910) Die Oligochatenfauna der vorderindisch-ceylonischen Region. Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiete der Naturwissenschaften, herausgegeben vom Naturwissenschaftlichen Verein in Hamburg, 19 (5), 1 - 108.","Halder, K. R. (1999 b) Oligochaeta: Earthworm. In: State Fauna. Series 4. Fauna of Meghalaya. Part 9. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp. 393 - 439.","Lalthanzara, H. & Ramanujam, S. N. (2014) Earthworm cast production and physico-chemical properties in two agroforestry systems of Mizoram (India). Tropical Ecology, 55, 77 - 86.","Lalthanzara, H., Ramanujam, S. N. & Jha, L. K. (2011) Population dynamics of earthworms in relation to soil physico-chemical parameters in agroforestry systems of Mizoram, India. Journal of Environmental Biology, 32, 599 - 605.","Ramanujam, S. N., Lalthanzara, H. & Jha, L. K. (2004) Biodiversity of earthworms in Mizoram. Journal of Nature Conservators, 16, 129 - 134.","Chaudhuri, P. S., Dey, A., Bhattacharjee, G. & Nath, S. (2012) Earthworm diversity in Tripura - present status. Science & Culture, 78 (7 - 8), 343 - 346."]}

91. Perionyx daminensis Julka, 1981 Perionyx daminensis Julka, 1981: 20. T. Damin, district Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 292, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53."]}

33. Argilophilus daminensis (Julka, 1981) Plutellus daminensis Julka, 1981: 11. Argilophilus daminensis (Julka). Blakemore 2007: 28. T. Damin, district Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 283, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Blakemore, R. J. (2007) Checklist of 505 earthworms species from India, Sri Lanka and the adjacent regions (excluding Myanmar) compiled from various sources [e. g. Stephenson (1923), Gates (1972), Julka (1988) etc.]. In: Blakemore, R. J. (Ed.), A series of searchable texts on earthworm biodiversity, ecology and systematic from various regions of the world. 3 rd Edition. Available from: http: // www. annelida. net / earthworm (accessed 1 March 2020)"]}

37. Argilophilus richikensis (Julka, 1981) Plutellus richikensis Julka, 1981: 12. Argilophilus richikensis (Julka). Blakemore 2007: 29. T. Richik, district Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Kolang (Julka 1981), Lingpo (Julka 1981), Huri (Julka 1981), Damin (Julka 1981)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 284, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Blakemore, R. J. (2007) Checklist of 505 earthworms species from India, Sri Lanka and the adjacent regions (excluding Myanmar) compiled from various sources [e. g. Stephenson (1923), Gates (1972), Julka (1988) etc.]. In: Blakemore, R. J. (Ed.), A series of searchable texts on earthworm biodiversity, ecology and systematic from various regions of the world. 3 rd Edition. Available from: http: // www. annelida. net / earthworm (accessed 1 March 2020)"]}

44. Dichogaster bolaui (Michaelsen, 1891) Benhamia bolavi (corr. bolaui) Michaelsen, 1891: 9. Dichogaster bolaui malabaricus Stephenson, 1920: 257. Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) bolaui (Michaelsen). Csuzdi 1995: 102. Further synonyms in Blakemore (2010: 230). T. Bergedorf, Germany. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Taliha (Julka 1981), Ayumuring (Julka 1981), Wakro (Julka 1976, 1988a), Chowkham (Julka 1988a). Manipur: Koirengei Forest (Haokip & Singh 2017). Meghalaya: Barapani (Julka 1977, 1988a), Cherrapunji (Julka 1988a), Siju Cave (Stephenson 1924a), Nongpyndeng (Kharkongor 2018), Phud-Umlieh (Kharkongor 2018), Pamphyrnai (Kharkongor 2018), Mawthar village (Kharkongor 2018), Mawshynrut village (Kharkongor 2018), on way to Nongstoi�� from Markasa (Kharkongor 2018). Sikkim: Rimbi (Soota & Halder 1981). Tripura: Unspecified localities (Chaudhuri & Bhattacharjee 2005; Chaudhuri et al. 2008, 2009, 2012; Jamatia & Chaudhuri 2017)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 285, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Michaelsen, W. (1891) Oligochaeten des Naturhistorischen Museums in Hamburg. IV. Jahrbuch der hamburgischen wissenschaftlichen Anstalten, 8, 3 - 42.","Stephenson, J. (1920) On a collection of Oligochaeta from the lesser known parts of India and from eastern Persia. Memoirs of the Indian Museum, 7, 191 - 261.","Csuzdi, Cs. (1995) A catalogue of Benhamiinae species (Annelida: Oligochaeta: Acanthodrilidae). Annalen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien, 97 B, 99 - 123.","Blakemore, R. J. (2010) Cosmopolitan Earthworms-an Eco-Taxonomic Guide to the Peregrine Species of the World. 4 th Edition. VermEcology So (i) lutions, Yokohama, 850 pp., 350 figs., Internet links. [December 2010]","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Julka, J. M. (1976) Studies on the earthworms collected during the Daphabum Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 69, 229 - 239.","Julka, J. M. (1988 a) The Fauna of India and the adjacent countries. Megadrile Oligochaeta (Earthworms). Haplotaxida: Lumbricina: Megascolecoidea: Octochaetidae. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, 400 pp.","Haokip, S. L. & Singh, T. B. (2017) Comparative studies on the earthworm community structure in the natural mixed and oak plantation sub-tropical forests ecosystem of Imphal, Manipur, India. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 43, 319 - 329.","Stephenson, J. (1924 a) Oligochaeta of the Siju Cave, Garo Hills, Assam. Records of the Indian Museum, 26, 127 - 135.","Kharkongor, I. J. (2018) Taxonomic and ecological studies on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 118, 56 - 74. https: // doi. org / 10.26515 / rzsi / v 118 / i 1 / 2018 / 123034","Soota, T. D. & Halder, K. R. (1981) On some earthworms from eastern Himalayas. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 79, 231 - 234.","Chaudhuri, P. S., Nath, S. & Paliwal, R. (2008) Earthworm population of rubber plantations (Hevea brasiliensis) in Tripura, India. Tropical Ecology, 49, 225 - 234.","Chaudhuri, P. S., Nath, S., Bhattacharjee, S. & Paliwal, R. (2009) Biomass, density and diversity of earthworms under rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations in Tripura, India. The Bioscan, 4 (3), 475 - 479.","Chaudhuri, P. S., Dey, A., Bhattacharjee, G. & Nath, S. (2012) Earthworm diversity in Tripura - present status. Science & Culture, 78 (7 - 8), 343 - 346.","Jamatia, S. K. S. & Chaudhuri, P. S. (2017) Earthworm community structure under tea plantations (Camellia sinensis) of Tripura (India). Tropical Ecology, 58, 105 - 113."]}

90. Perionyx daflaensis Julka, 1981 Perionyx daflaensis Julka, 1981: 18. T. Kolang, district Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Near Kau Pass (Julka 1981), 3 km E of Richik (Julka 1981), Rui (Julka 1981)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 292, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53."]}

67. Amynthas corticis (Kinberg, 1867) Perichaeta corticis Kinberg, 1867: 102. Amynthas corticis (Kinberg). Blakemore 2010: 322 (for further synonyms). T. Oahu, the main Hawaii Island. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Taliha (Julka 1981), Siki (Julka 1981), Seiom (Julka 1981), Lemeking (Julka 1981), Orak (Julka 1981), Galensinaik (Julka 1981), Deju Bung (Julka 1981), Yame (Julka 1981), Holin (Julka 1981), Huri (Julka 1981), Damin (Julka 1981), Richik (Julka 1981), Tali (Julka 1981), Rui (Julka 1981), Gimba (Julka 1981), Chowkham (Julka 1976), Alubari (Julka 1976), Chakama village (Julka 1976), Wakro (Julka 1976), near Chamba village (Julka 1976), Hawai (Julka 1976), Kharang (Julka 1976), Hayuliang (Julka 1976), Tezu (Julka 1976), Kobo (Stephenson 1914a), Itanagar Zoo (Halder et al. 2007), Yupia-Doimukh Road (Halder et al. 2007), Papu Nallah (Halder et al. 2007), Ganga Lake (Halder et al. 2007), 77 Mile Base Camp Tirap (Halder et al. 2007), Gandhigram (Halder et al. 2007), Vijaynagar (Halder et al. 2007), Lower Jheel Camp (Halder et al. 2007), 124 km on Miao-Vijaynagar Road (Halder et al. 2007), Deban (Halder et al. 2007), Hornbill (Halder et al. 2007). Assam: Sadiya (Stephenson 1914a), unspecified localities (Rajkhowa et al. 2015). Manipur: Imphal (Stephenson 1921), Mantripukhri (Haokip & Singh 2012, 2017), Koirengei Forest (Haokip & Singh 2017). Meghalaya: Mawphlang (Julka 1977; Halder 1999b), Cherrapunji (Stephenson 1922; Julka 1977; Bhadauria & Ramakrishnan 1989), Cantonment Hill Cherrapunji (Stephenson 1924b), Shillong (Gates 1934; Julka 1977), Nongkynrih (Julka 1977), Barapani (Julka 1977), Myllien (Julka 1977), Malki (Julka 1977), Motinagar (Halder 1999b), Risa Colony (Halder 1999b), Lumparing (Halder 1999b), Elephant Falls (Halder 1999b), Sohryngkham (Halder 1999b), Mairang (Halder 1999b), Mazumai (Halder 1999b), Raliang (Halder 1999b), Nongthymmai (Halder 1999b), Botanical Garden Shillong (Halder 1999b), Mauryngnang (Halder 1999b), Happy Valley Shillong (Gates 1934; Halder 1999b), Golf Course Shillong (Gates 1934), North of Mokhar (Gates 1934), Jowai (Halder 1999b), Thadlaskein (Halder 1999b), Nartiang (Gates 1934; Halder 1999b), Muktapur (Halder 1999b), Saphai (Halder 1999b), Nongpoh (Halder 1999b), Tura (Halder 1999b), Rongram River (Halder 1999b), Ward Lake Shillong (Halder 1999b), Mawsmai Cave Cherrapunji (Halder 1999b), Dumpep (Gates 1934, 1937), Nongkhnum-Lailad (Kharkongor 2018), Pamphyrnai (Kharkongor 2018), Nongstoi��-Nongpyndeng (Kharkongor 2018), Mawthar village (Kharkongor 2018), Langja village (Kharkongor 2018), Mawshynrut village (Kharkongor 2018), Nongstoi�����Mawlongphlang (Kharkongor 2018). Mizoram: Unspecified localities (Ramanujam et al. 2004). Sikkim: Timin (Halder 2003), Rabangla (Halder 2003), Rangpo (Halder 2003), Ranipool (Halder 2003), Rumtek (Halder 2003), Mangan (Halder 2003), Phodong (Halder 2003), Phensang (Halder 2003), Gangtok (Michaelsen 1910; Soota & Halder 1981; Halder 2003), Jorthang (Halder 2003), Namchi (Halder 2003), Naya Bazar (Halder 2003), Deorali (Soota & Halder 1981), Rimbi (Soota & Halder 1981). West Bengal: Kurseong (Michaelsen 1909; Stephenson 1916, 1925; Gates 1934; Julka 1975; Halder 1999a), near Singell (Julka 1975); Ghoom (misnomer Soom���Stephenson 1916; Julka 1975), Dhobikhola (Halder 1999a), Dhobijhora (Gates 1937), Dow Hill (Julka 1975), Kali Jhora (Gates 1934), Pedong (Halder 1999a), Lloyd���s Botanic Gardens Darjeeling (Julka 1975), Darjeeling (Stephenson 1916; Halder et al. 2007), Singla (Stephenson 1916; Gates 1934), Sureil (Stephenson 1920), Pashok (Stephenson 1920), Kafibari (Gates 1934),, Resium Forest (Halder 1999a), Kalimpong (Gates 1934, 1937; Julka 1975), Teesta Bridge (Gates 1934, 1937), Mahanadi (Julka 1975), Sukiapokri (Julka 1975), Manikhola (Halder 1999a), Manebhanjan (Soota & Halder 1981), Jorpokri (Julka 1975), Ghum Bhanjan (Julka 1975), along Sukiapokri-Simana Road (Julka 1975), midway between Sukiapokri and Jorpokri (Soota & Halder 1981), Palmajoa Forest Rest House compound (Soota & Halder 1981)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 288, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Kinberg, J. G. H. (1867) Annulata nova. Ofversigt af Koniglich Vetenskaps-Akademiens Forhandlingar, Stockholm, 23 (9), 97 - 103 + 337 - 357.","Blakemore, R. J. (2010) Cosmopolitan Earthworms-an Eco-Taxonomic Guide to the Peregrine Species of the World. 4 th Edition. VermEcology So (i) lutions, Yokohama, 850 pp., 350 figs., Internet links. [December 2010]","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Julka, J. M. (1976) Studies on the earthworms collected during the Daphabum Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 69, 229 - 239.","Stephenson, J. (1914 a) Zoological results of the Abor Expedition, 1911 - 1912. Oligochaeta. Records of the Indian Museum, 8, 365 - 410. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 1193","Halder, K. R., Dhani, S. & Mandal, C. K. (2007) On some earthworms present in unnamed collections of Zoological Survey of India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 107, 79 - 93.","Rajkhowa, D. J., Bhattacharyya, P. N., Sarma, A. K., and Mahanta, K. (2015) Diversity and distribution of earthworms in different soil habitats of Assam, North-East India, an Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, 85 (2), 389 - 396. https: // doi. org / 10.1007 / s 40011 - 014 - 0380 - 1","Stephenson, J. (1921) Oligochaeta from Manipur, the Laccadive Islands, Mysore, and other parts of India. Records of the Indian Museum, 22, 745 - 768. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 1484","Haokip, S. L. & Singh, T. B. (2012) Diversity and distribution of earthworms in a natural reserved and disturbed tropical forest ecosystem of Imphal-West, Manipur, India. International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2 (2), 28 - 34.","Haokip, S. L. & Singh, T. B. (2017) Comparative studies on the earthworm community structure in the natural mixed and oak plantation sub-tropical forests ecosystem of Imphal, Manipur, India. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 43, 319 - 329.","Halder, K. R. (1999 b) Oligochaeta: Earthworm. In: State Fauna. Series 4. Fauna of Meghalaya. Part 9. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp. 393 - 439.","Stephenson, J. (1922) Some earthworms from Kashmir, Bombay, and other parts of India. Records of the Indian Museum, 24, 427 - 443.","Bhadauria, T. & Ramakrishnan, P. S. (1989) Earthworm population dynamics and contribution to nutrient cycling during cropping and fallow phases of shifting agriculture (jhum) in north-east India. Journal of Applied Ecology, 26, 505 - 520. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 2404077","Stephenson, J. (1924 b) On some Indian Oligochaeta, with a description of two new genera of Ocnerodrilinae. Records of the Indian Museum, 26, 317 - 365.","Gates, G. E. (1934) Notes on some earthworms from the Indian Museum. Records of the Indian Museum, 36, 233 - 277.","Gates, G. E. (1937) Indian earthworms. I. The genus Pheretima. Records of the Indian Museum, 39 (2), 175 - 212.","Kharkongor, I. J. (2018) Taxonomic and ecological studies on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 118, 56 - 74. https: // doi. org / 10.26515 / rzsi / v 118 / i 1 / 2018 / 123034","Ramanujam, S. N., Lalthanzara, H. & Jha, L. K. (2004) Biodiversity of earthworms in Mizoram. Journal of Nature Conservators, 16, 129 - 134.","Halder, K. R. (2003) Oligochaeta: Earthworm. In: State Fauna. Series 9. Fauna of Sikkim. Part 5. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp. 91 - 116.","Michaelsen, W. (1910) Die Oligochatenfauna der vorderindisch-ceylonischen Region. Abhandlungen aus dem Gebiete der Naturwissenschaften, herausgegeben vom Naturwissenschaftlichen Verein in Hamburg, 19 (5), 1 - 108.","Soota, T. D. & Halder, K. R. (1981) On some earthworms from eastern Himalayas. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 79, 231 - 234.","Michaelsen, W. (1909) The Oligochaeta of India, Nepal, Ceylon, Burma and the Andaman Islands. Memoirs of the Indian Museum, 1, 103 - 253.","Stephenson, J. (1916) On a collection of Oligochaeta belonging to the Indian Museum. Records of the Indian Museum, 12, 299 - 354.","Stephenson, J. (1925) On some Oligochaeta mainly from Assam, South India, and the Andaman Islands. Records of the Indian Museum, 27, 43 - 73.","Halder, K. R. (1999 a) Annelida: Oligochaeta: Earthworms. In: State Fauna. Series 3. Fauna of West Bengal. Part 10. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp. 17 - 93.","Stephenson, J. (1920) On a collection of Oligochaeta from the lesser known parts of India and from eastern Persia. Memoirs of the Indian Museum, 7, 191 - 261."]}

39. Argilophilus taksingensis (Julka, 1981) Plutellus taksingensis Julka, 1981: 14. Argilophilus taksingensis (Julka). Blakemore 2007: 29. T. Taksing, district Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Orak (Julka 1981), Riding Camp (Julka 1981), Gelemo (Julka 1981), Doju Bung (Julka 1981), Kotar Nala (Julka 1981), Lingpo (Julka 1981), Huri (Julka 1981), Pabin (Julka 1981), Parsipala (Julka 1981)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 284, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Blakemore, R. J. (2007) Checklist of 505 earthworms species from India, Sri Lanka and the adjacent regions (excluding Myanmar) compiled from various sources [e. g. Stephenson (1923), Gates (1972), Julka (1988) etc.]. In: Blakemore, R. J. (Ed.), A series of searchable texts on earthworm biodiversity, ecology and systematic from various regions of the world. 3 rd Edition. Available from: http: // www. annelida. net / earthworm (accessed 1 March 2020)"]}

128. Tonoscolex striatus (Stephenson, 1914) Notoscolex striatus Stephenson, 1914a: 380. Notoscolex stewarti Stephenson, 1914a: 382. Tonoscolex striatus (Stephenson). Gates 1972: 232. T. Rotung, Upper Rotung, Abor Hills, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Taliha (Julka 1981), Ayumuring (Julka 1981), Yame (Julka 1981), Damin (Julka 1981), Huri (Julka 1981), Pabin (Julka 1981), Parsipala (Julka 1981), Tumbia (Julka 1981), near Kau Pass (Julka 1981), Richik (Julka 1981), 3 km E of Richik (Julka 1981), Tali (Julka 1981), Rui (Julka 1981), Gimba (Julka 1981), Kabak (Julka 1981), Rotung (Stephenson 1914a), Itanagar Zoo (Halder et al. 2007). Meghalaya: Nongstoi��- Siejlieh (Kharkongor 2018), Mawthar village (Kharkongor 2018)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 296, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Stephenson, J. (1914 a) Zoological results of the Abor Expedition, 1911 - 1912. Oligochaeta. Records of the Indian Museum, 8, 365 - 410. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 1193","Gates, G. E. (1972) Burmese earthworms. An introduction to the systematics and biology of megadrile oligochaetes with special reference to southeast Asia. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, 62 (7), 1 - 326. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 1006214","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Halder, K. R., Dhani, S. & Mandal, C. K. (2007) On some earthworms present in unnamed collections of Zoological Survey of India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 107, 79 - 93.","Kharkongor, I. J. (2018) Taxonomic and ecological studies on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 118, 56 - 74. https: // doi. org / 10.26515 / rzsi / v 118 / i 1 / 2018 / 123034"]}

92. Perionyx depressus Stephenson, 1914 Perionyx depressus Stephenson, 1914a: 394. Perionyx aborensis Stephenson, 1914a: 392. Perionyx depressus Stephenson. Stephenson 1923: 328. T. Rotung and Upper Rotung, Abor Hills, Arunachal Pradesh. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Renging (Stephenson 1914a), Galensinaik (Julka 1981), near Kau Pass (Julka 1981), ca. 4 km NW of Tali (Julka 1981)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 292, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Stephenson, J. (1914 a) Zoological results of the Abor Expedition, 1911 - 1912. Oligochaeta. Records of the Indian Museum, 8, 365 - 410. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 1193","Stephenson, J. (1923) Oligochaeta. The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma, Taylor and Francis, London, 518 pp.","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53."]}

93. Perionyx excavatus Perrier, 1872 Perionyx excavatus Perrier, 1872: 126. Perionyx excavatus Perrier. Blakemore 2010: 267 (for further synonyms). T. Saigon, Vietnam. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Taliha (Julka 1981), Ayumuring (Julka 1981), Richik (Julka 1981), Huri (Julka 1981), Pabin (Julka 1981), Parsipapa (Julka 1981), Tumbia (Julka 1981), near Kau Pass (Julka 1981), 3 km E of Richik (Julka 1981), Kabak (Julka 1981), Vidak (Julka 1981), Chowkham (Julka 1976), Rotung (Stephenson 1914a), Renging (Stephenson 1914a), Upper Rotung (Stephenson 1914a), Miao (Halder et al. 2007), Darlak (Halder et al. 2007). Assam: Katlicherta (Stephenson 1926), Dibrugarh (Stephenson 1914a), Guwahati (Gates 1960), Sadiya (Stephenson 1914a), unspecified localities (Rajkhowa et al. 2015). Manipur: Lamphel Pat (Stephenson 1921), Imphal (Stephenson 1921), Potsengbham (Stephenson 1921), Thanga Island (Stephenson 1921). Meghalaya: Mawphlang (Julka 1977), Shillong (Julka 1977; Halder et al. 2007), Mauryngnang (Halder 1999b), Muktapur (Halder 1999b), Nonglang village (Kharkongor 2018). Mizoram: Sakawrtuichhun (Lalthanzara & Ramanujam 2014), Pachhunga University College Aizawl (Lalthanzara & Ramanujam 2014), unspecified localities (Lalthanzara et al. 2011; Ramanujam et al. 2004). Sikkim: Rangpo (Halder 2003), Gangtok (Halder 2003), Sombaria (Halder 2003), Manul (Soota & Halder 1981), Mangan (Soota & Halder 1981). Tripura: Ramnagar (Halder 2000), unspecified localities (Chaudhuri & Bhattacharjee 1999, 2005; Chaudhuri et al. 2012; Dey & Chaudhuri 2014). West Bengal: Darjeeling (Halder et al. 2007), Phallut (Michaelsen 1909), Pashok (Gates 1960), near Ghoom (Stephenson 1916), Kurseong (Michaelsen 1909), Dhobikhola Stream Kurseong (Julka 1975), Dow Hill (Julka 1975), Kalimpong (Julka 1975), near Mahananda River Siliguri (Julka 1975)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 292, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Perrier, E. (1872) Recherche pour servir a l'historie des Lombriciens terrestres. Nouvelles Archives du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle Paris, 8, 5 - 198. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 12201","Blakemore, R. J. (2010) Cosmopolitan Earthworms-an Eco-Taxonomic Guide to the Peregrine Species of the World. 4 th Edition. VermEcology So (i) lutions, Yokohama, 850 pp., 350 figs., Internet links. [December 2010]","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Julka, J. M. (1976) Studies on the earthworms collected during the Daphabum Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 69, 229 - 239.","Stephenson, J. (1914 a) Zoological results of the Abor Expedition, 1911 - 1912. Oligochaeta. Records of the Indian Museum, 8, 365 - 410. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 1193","Halder, K. R., Dhani, S. & Mandal, C. K. (2007) On some earthworms present in unnamed collections of Zoological Survey of India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 107, 79 - 93.","Stephenson, J. (1926) Descriptions of Indian Oligochaeta. I. Records of the Indian Museum, 28, 249 - 267.","Gates, G. E. (1960) On Burmese earthworms of the family Megascolecidae. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College, 123 (6), 201 - 282.","Rajkhowa, D. J., Bhattacharyya, P. N., Sarma, A. K., and Mahanta, K. (2015) Diversity and distribution of earthworms in different soil habitats of Assam, North-East India, an Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, 85 (2), 389 - 396. https: // doi. org / 10.1007 / s 40011 - 014 - 0380 - 1","Stephenson, J. (1921) Oligochaeta from Manipur, the Laccadive Islands, Mysore, and other parts of India. Records of the Indian Museum, 22, 745 - 768. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 1484","Halder, K. R. (1999 b) Oligochaeta: Earthworm. In: State Fauna. Series 4. Fauna of Meghalaya. Part 9. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp. 393 - 439.","Kharkongor, I. J. (2018) Taxonomic and ecological studies on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 118, 56 - 74. https: // doi. org / 10.26515 / rzsi / v 118 / i 1 / 2018 / 123034","Lalthanzara, H. & Ramanujam, S. N. (2014) Earthworm cast production and physico-chemical properties in two agroforestry systems of Mizoram (India). Tropical Ecology, 55, 77 - 86.","Lalthanzara, H., Ramanujam, S. N. & Jha, L. K. (2011) Population dynamics of earthworms in relation to soil physico-chemical parameters in agroforestry systems of Mizoram, India. Journal of Environmental Biology, 32, 599 - 605.","Ramanujam, S. N., Lalthanzara, H. & Jha, L. K. (2004) Biodiversity of earthworms in Mizoram. Journal of Nature Conservators, 16, 129 - 134.","Halder, K. R. (2003) Oligochaeta: Earthworm. In: State Fauna. Series 9. Fauna of Sikkim. Part 5. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp. 91 - 116.","Soota, T. D. & Halder, K. R. (1981) On some earthworms from eastern Himalayas. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 79, 231 - 234.","Halder, K. R. (2000) Oligochaeta: Earthworm. In: State Fauna. Series 7. Fauna of Tripura. Part 4. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp. 239 - 236.","Chaudhuri, P. S. & Bhattacharjee, G. (1999) Earthworm resources of Tripura. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India, 69 (B), 159 - 170.","Chaudhuri, P. S., Dey, A., Bhattacharjee, G. & Nath, S. (2012) Earthworm diversity in Tripura - present status. Science & Culture, 78 (7 - 8), 343 - 346.","Dey, A. & Chaudhuri, P. S. (2014) Earthworm community structure of pineapple (Ananas comosus) plantations under monoculture and mixed culture in West Tripura, India. Tropical Ecology, 55, 1 - 17.","Michaelsen, W. (1909) The Oligochaeta of India, Nepal, Ceylon, Burma and the Andaman Islands. Memoirs of the Indian Museum, 1, 103 - 253.","Stephenson, J. (1916) On a collection of Oligochaeta belonging to the Indian Museum. Records of the Indian Museum, 12, 299 - 354."]}

46. Dichogaster saliens (Beddard, 1893) Microdrilus saliens Beddard, 1893: 683. Microdrilus asiaticus (laps.) Beddard, 1893: 706. Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) saliens (Beddard). Csuzdi 2010: 77 (for further synonyms). T. Undesignated (?). Types supposedly from Penang, Java and Singapore, but were collected from earth that arrived at Kew Gardens. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Taliha (Julka 1981), Chowkham (Julka 1976, 1988a), Wakro (Julka 1976, 1988a). Assam: Unspecified localities (Rajkhowa et al. 2015). Meghalaya: Mawphlang (Julka 1977), Barapani (Julka 1977, 1988a), Sumer (Julka 1988a), Tura (Julka 1988a), Mawshynrut village (Kharkongor 2018). Sikkim: Rongli (Julka 1988a), Rongli-Chu river bed (Julka 1988a), Makaibari (Julka 1988a), Rimbi (Soota & Halder 1981). West Bengal: Pashok (Stephenson 1920)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 285, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Beddard, F. E. (1893) On some new species of earthworms from various parts of the world. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1892, 666 - 706. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1096 - 3642.1892. tb 01789. x","Csuzdi, Cs. (2010) A monograph of the paleotropical Benhamiinae earthworms (Annelida: Oliochaeta, Acanthodrilidae). Pedozoologica Hungarica, No. 6, 1 - 215.","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Julka, J. M. (1976) Studies on the earthworms collected during the Daphabum Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 69, 229 - 239.","Julka, J. M. (1988 a) The Fauna of India and the adjacent countries. Megadrile Oligochaeta (Earthworms). Haplotaxida: Lumbricina: Megascolecoidea: Octochaetidae. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, 400 pp.","Rajkhowa, D. J., Bhattacharyya, P. N., Sarma, A. K., and Mahanta, K. (2015) Diversity and distribution of earthworms in different soil habitats of Assam, North-East India, an Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, 85 (2), 389 - 396. https: // doi. org / 10.1007 / s 40011 - 014 - 0380 - 1","Kharkongor, I. J. (2018) Taxonomic and ecological studies on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 118, 56 - 74. https: // doi. org / 10.26515 / rzsi / v 118 / i 1 / 2018 / 123034","Soota, T. D. & Halder, K. R. (1981) On some earthworms from eastern Himalayas. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 79, 231 - 234.","Stephenson, J. (1920) On a collection of Oligochaeta from the lesser known parts of India and from eastern Persia. Memoirs of the Indian Museum, 7, 191 - 261."]}

120. Perionyx vidakensis Julka, 1981 Perionyx vidakensis Julka, 1981: 27. T. Vidak, district Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Rui (Julka 1981), Kabak (Julka 1981)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 295, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53."]}

96. Perionyx gravelyi Stephenson, 1917 Perionyx gravelyi Stephenson, 1917: 378. T. Pashok, district Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Ayumuring (Julka 1981), Lingpo (Julka 1981), Kolang (Julka 1981), Parsipala (Julka 1981), Rui (Julka 1981), Vidak (Julka 1981). West Bengal., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 293, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Stephenson, J. (1917) On a collection of Oligochaeta from various parts of India and further India. Records of the Indian Museum, 13, 353 - 416. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 5865","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53."]}

105. Perionyx modestus Stephenson, 1922 Perionyx modestus Stephenson, 1922: 435. T. Cherrapunji, district East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India. D. Arunachal Pradesh: Lingpo (Julka 1981), Yame (Julka 1981), Parsipala (Julka 1981), Richik (Julka 1981), 3 km E of Richik (Julka 1981), ca. 4 km NW of Tali (Julka 1981), Rui (Julka 1981), Chowkham (Julka 1976). Meghalaya: Umsing (Julka 1977), Mawphlang (Julka 1977; Halder 1999b), Sarching (Halder 1999b), Barangapara (Halder 1999b), Tura (Halder 1999b), Rongreng Chidekgre (Halder 1999b), Williamnagar (Halder 1999b), Dumpep (Gates 1960)., Published as part of Tiwari, Nalini, Paliwal, R., Rashid, Azhar & Yadav, Shweta, 2020, Checklist of earthworm species (Oligochaeta) of the North Eastern Region of India, pp. 277-305 in Zootaxa 4772 (2) on page 294, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/3974785, {"references":["Stephenson, J. (1922) Some earthworms from Kashmir, Bombay, and other parts of India. Records of the Indian Museum, 24, 427 - 443.","Julka, J. M. (1981) Taxonomic studies on the earthworms collected during the Subansiri Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Miscellaneous Publication, Occasional Paper, No. 26, 1 - 53.","Julka, J. M. (1976) Studies on the earthworms collected during the Daphabum Expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 69, 229 - 239.","Halder, K. R. (1999 b) Oligochaeta: Earthworm. In: State Fauna. Series 4. Fauna of Meghalaya. Part 9. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, pp. 393 - 439.","Gates, G. E. (1960) On Burmese earthworms of the family Megascolecidae. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College, 123 (6), 201 - 282."]}

This paper demonstrates that the uniqueness of the geographical location of Taiwan and its adjacent islands can be taken as a basis to evaluate the accuracy of identification and synonymization of East Asian earthworms and further to clarify some disputes in earthworm taxonomy. A comprehensive review of the earthworm fauna from the Ryukyu Archipelago is given; as a result, two recorded species are recognized as new species, named here Amynthas ishigakiensis sp. nov. and Amynthas iriomotensis sp. nov. Common but harmful practices in earthworm taxonomy, synonymies with question marks and erection of sympatric subspecies, are commented.

In the spirit of Kobayashi (1936; 1937; 1938; 1941) and Easton (1981), the current work contributes to the first author’s current Japanese and Korean studies, e.g. Blakemore (2003; 2008; 2012a-f; 2013a; 2013b; 2014), and attempts to use genetic barcodes of primary types or neotypes for definitive species identity (Hebert et al., 2003; Blakemore, 2013c). Current specimens are from mountains such as Seoraksan (alt. 1,708 m) the highest mountain in the 500 km Taebaek Range that edges the east coast as far down as Busan and the third highest after Hallasan and Jirisan in the south. Further collection was at nearby Bangtaesan (alt. 1,444 m) and Jeombongsan (alt. 1,424 m). Islands were also sampled, and the briefest of surveys on the isle of Muuido near Incheon unearthed two new species: a megascolecid Amynthas muuido sp. nov. and a lumbricid Eisenia muuido sp. nov., the latter comparable to endemic Eisenia koreana (Zicsi, 1972) that was surprisingly overlooked in Hong’s (2000) incomplete review of Korean Lumbricidae (compare his nine or ten spp. to the twenty listed in Blakemore, 2014). The current paper complements an update of moniligastrid Drawida spp. in Blakemore et al. (2014).

This paper describes four new species of morrisi-group earthworms from Hainan and Guangdong Provinces, China: Amynthas instabilis sp. nov, Amynthas dilatatus sp. nov, Amynthas infuscuatus sp. nov. and Amynthas qiongzhongensis sp. nov. All four species have two pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6–6/7; male pores in XVIII, 0.33 circumference ventrally apart, each on the top of a slightly raised porophore, surrounded by several tiny genital papillae, in a pulvinate pad with three to six circular folds. Characters of the spermathecae, prostate glands and other anatomical features easily distinguish the new species from earthworms previously reported from the morrisi-group.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:545E9152-C826-44A2-949E-402434D8493D.

This paper describes five new species of earthworms belonging to the genera Amynthas and Metaphire (Megascolecidae: Oligochaeta) from Matsu, Taiwan. They are Amynthas bimontis sp. nov., Amynthas hsiyinensis sp. nov., Amynthas dongyinensis sp. nov., Amynthas dongjuensis sp. nov. and Metaphire matsuensis sp. nov. Amynthas bimontis is a small, quadrithecate earthworm with two pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6/7 and two small genital papillae lateral to each male porophore. Amynthas hsiyinensis is quadrithecate with two pairs of spermathecal pores in 7/8/9, has numerous small genital papillae and is morphologically similar to Amynthas polyglandularis (Tsai, 1964) from northern Taiwan. Amynthas dongyinensis is sexthecate with three pairs of spermathecal pores in 6/7–8/9 and has simple male pore structure. Amynthas dongjuensis is octothecate with or without a genital papilla medial to each male pore. Metaphire matsuensis is sexthecate with three pairs of dorsolateral spermathecal pores in 5/6–7/8, and has each...

The comprehensive checklist of earthworms in Vietnam is presented here listing 24 genera and 212 species arranged in eight families. For each species, bibliographic citations are given, including the original descriptions as well as notable citations affecting taxonomic status or distributional reports of a species. Distributions of each species are also provided. The bibliography contains all relevant papers for Vietnamese earthworms. Of 212 species, 114 have been recorded only in Vietnam, and 25 are cosmopolitan. New combinations are made for Amynthas acalifornicus (Do & Huynh, 1991) comb. nov., A. binhgiaensis (Le, 1994) comb. nov., Metaphire catbaensis (Thai & Le, 1993) comb. nov., M. khoii (Do & Tran, 1994) comb. nov., M. phaluongana (Do & Huynh, 1992) comb. nov., and M. mangophila (Nguyen, 2011) comb. nov., M. tripidoporophoratus (Thai & Nguyen, 1993) comb. nov. Additionally, Pheretima paraalexandri Nguyen, 2011 is treated as a junior synonym of Amynthas polychaetiferus (Thai, 1984).

This paper describes three new species of earthworms belonging to the genus Amynthas (Megascolecidae: Oligochaeta) from eastern Taiwan. They are Amynthas amis sp. nov., Amynthas mutabilitas sp. nov. and Amynthas amplipapillatus sp. nov. Amynthas amis is octothecate with single or paired genital papillae in presetal VII–IX. It is widely distributed at elevations of 245–1500 m south of Mugua River in eastern Taiwan. Amynthas mutabilitas has spermathecae from totally absent (athecate) to two pairs in VI–VII (quadrithecate). It was found on the east slope of the Central Mountain Range and Coastal Mountain Range at elevations of 410–1350 m. Amynthas amplipapillatus is athecate and has large, paired genital papillae in postsetal XVII and often in presetal XIX, and occasionally an additional pair in postsetal XIX. It was found at elevations of 130–1170 m in eastern Taiwan. Also, redescription of Amynthas hongyehensis which is endemic to eastern Taiwan is given. DNA barcodes (the 5'-end sequences of the mitochond...

AsLn2, an unusual modified peptide, was isolated from the bioluminescent earthworm Fridericia heliota(Enchytraeidae). Its structure, elucidated by NMR and mass spectrometry, includes residues of tyrosine,CompX (a novel tyrosine modification product, reported in the accompanying paper), and N(omega)-acyl-ated lysine. Chromatography, UV, and 1 H NMR data imply a close structural similarity of AsLn2 withF. heliota luciferin. AsLn2 appears to be an intermediate or by-product in F. heliota luciferin biosynthesis. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. The bioluminescence of earthworms has been insufficientlyinvestigated. Bioluminescent genera are found in three oligochaetafamilies: Megascolecidae, Lumbricidae, and Enchytraeidae. 1 Among them, only the bioluminescence mechanism of Diplocardialonga (Megascolecidae) has been established in terms of the chem-istry of its luciferin.The Siberian luminous earthworm (Fridericia heliota, onlyrecently described) belongs to the Enchytraeidae oligochaetafamily.

A collection of earthworm specimens from Hainan comprised many new species, mostly endemic. This paper describes three new species, Amynthas bouchei Zhao and Qiu sp. nov., Amynthas omodeoi Zhao and Qiu sp. nov. and Amynthas edwardsi Zhao and Qiu sp. nov. These three species all belong to the hawayanus‐group. The position of the spermathecal pores in all the new species is three pairs in 5/6–7/8. Descriptions of the species are provided, including figures of the ventral view and of the spermathecae. A comparison with Amynthas species with spermathecal pores also in 5/6–7/8 from China is provided.

The paper deals with Pheretima multitheca multitheca Chen, 1938 recorded from Vietnam (non Pheretima multitheca Chen, 1938 now in Metaphire from Hainan Island). As a result, a new species, Amynthas erroneous sp. n., is revealed from materials which were previously misidentified as Pheretima multitheca multitheca. The new species is obviously distinguished from other Amynthas species by multiple spermathecal pores lateroventral in intersegments 5/6/7/8/9, and presence of two pairs of crescentic genital markings in xviii. In addition, another new species, Amynthas nhonmontis sp. n., is described and easily recognized by multiple spermathecal pores ventral in intersegments 5/6/7/8 and three pairs of genital markings in xvii, xix and xx.

This paper describes three new species of earthworm from Guangdong, China: Amynthas heshanensis sp. nov., Amynthas jiangmenensis sp. nov., and Drawida cheni sp. nov. The former two species both have two pairs of spermathecal pores in 6/7–7/8, and simple paired caecae in XXV. Four similar Amynthas species are reviewed. Drawida cheni sp. nov. has similar characters in external appearance (large body size, no dorsal pore, and no clitellum) with Drawida sulcata Zhong, 1986 from Yunnan, China. The species is distinguished from other Drawida species by the five gizzards, which are otherwise only found in D. syringa Chen, 1933, the smooth body without setae, the superficial male pores, and the female pores in 12/13.

Metaphire tengjhihensis sp. nov. Chang & Chen (Fig. 1) Metaphire sp.: Chang et al. 2008: 959, 964���965, Figs. 1 ���4, Tables 1, 3; Chang & Chen 2008: 56���58, Fig. 1 O, Table 1; Chang et al. 2009: 6, Fig. 2 O. [Chang et al. (2009) cited the taxon as ���an undescribed species���]. Type specimens. Holotype: MZNTU 14 -05901 (mature), collected 6 May 2003 from Tengjhih, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan by C.-H. Chang. Paratypes: Two specimens. MZNTU 14 -07003 (mature), collected 1 April 2004 from Tengjhih, Kaohsiung County by C.-H. Chang; MZNTU 14 -07175 (mature), collected 4 April 2004 from Liouguei, Kaohsiung County by S.-P. Wu. Other material examined. Three mature specimens. MZNTU 14 -05900, collected 5 May 2003 from Tengjhih, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan by C.-H. Chang; MZNTU 14 -05902, collected 6 May 2003 from Tengjhih, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan by C.-H. Chang; MZNTU 14 -06224, collected 30 July 2003 along Route 20, Taoyuan, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan by C.-H. Chang. Distribution. Southward of the Launong River in the southwest of the Central Mountain Range, recorded at elevations above 2,000 m. Etymology. After the type locality Tengjhih, Kaohsiung. DNA barcodes from type specimens. Available for MZNTU 14 -05901, 14 -07175 (Table 1). Diagnosis. Pheretimoids with lengths 90���176 mm, clitellum width 8���9 mm. Copulatory pouches present with a round or oval pad in front of the male pore. Spermathecae four pairs in 6���9 with coiled diverticulum stalks. No genital papillae in the spermathecal pore area. Testes proandric. Prostate gland lobular. Caeca simple. Morphology. External characters. Length (mature) 90���176 mm, clitellum width 8���9 mm, segment number 62���111. Number of annuli per segment three in 5���9, five in 10���13, and three in body segments behind 17. Prostomium epilobous. Setae 84���102 in 7, 96���102 in 20, 17���21 between male pores. First dorsal pore in 12 / 13. Clitellum 14���16, annular, smooth, length 6���8 mm, dorsal pore absent, setae absent. Preserved specimens light brown. Spermathecal pores four pairs in 5 / 6���8 / 9, lateral, distance between the paired pores about 0.4���0.5 body circumference apart ventrally. No genital papillae in the spermathecal pore region. Female pore single, mid-ventral in 14. Male pores paired in 18, latero-ventral, in a C-shaped copulatory pouch, with the opening of the C towards mid-ventral, bordered laterally by a thick skin wall. Male pore area slightly enlarged, extending to the post-setal and pre-setal annuli of 17 and 19, respectively, surrounded by circular folds, with a round or oval pad anterior to the pore and partially covered by the skin wall. Genital papillae absent in the male pore area. Internal characters. Septa 5 / 6���7 / 8 slightly thickened, 8 / 9 membranous, 9 / 10 absent, 10 / 11���13 / 14 greatly thickened. Gizzard in 8. Intestine enlarged from 15. Intestinal caeca paired in 27, simple, extending anteriorly to 23. Oesophageal hearts enlarged in 10���13. Spermathecae four pairs in 6���9, each with an elliptic ampulla about 3���5 mm long, and a short stalk about 1���2 mm. Diverticulum small, with an oval, white seminal chamber, and a short, tightly coiled stalk, reaching the base of ampulla. Meronephridia tufted, attached to the anterior face of septa 5 / 6 and 6 / 7. Ovaries paired in 13, medio-ventral, close to the 12 / 13 septum. Testis sacs paired in 10, oval-shaped, smooth, medio-ventral in front of 10 / 11. Seminal vesicles paired in 11, large, enclosed in thin sacs, each one with a folliculate dorsal lobe. Prostate glands paired in 18, large, lobular, extending to 17 and 19. Remarks. M. tengjhihensis sp. nov. is the sister taxon to M. feijani and was recognized as a cryptic species morphologically similar to M. paiwanna paiwanna by Chang et al. (2008) using DNA barcodes as well as other genes. These authors showed that M. tengjhihensis (Metaphire sp. in the paper) and M. paiwanna paiwanna differ by an average of 16.4% in their COI gene. Compared to M. paiwanna paiwanna, M. tengjhihensis is generally smaller and has more regularly coiled spermathecal diverticulum stalks. In addition, the two species live in different habitats: M. paiwanna paiwanna lives in evergreen broadleaf forests at elevations below 1,600 m, while M. tengjhihensis lives in the colder deciduous broadleaf forests at elevations above 2,000 m., Published as part of Chang, Chih-Han, Chuang, Shu-Chun, Wu, Jia Hsing & Chen, Jiun-Hong, 2014, New species of earthworms belonging to the Metaphire formosae species group (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) in Taiwan, pp. 324-332 in Zootaxa 3774 (4) on pages 325-327, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3774.4.2, http://zenodo.org/record/225988, {"references":["Chang, C. - H., Shen, H. - P. & Chen, J. - H. (2009) Earthworm Fauna of Taiwan. National Taiwan University Press, Taipei, Taiwan, 174 pp."]}

This paper describes a new species of gigantic terrestrial earthworm Metaphire taiwanensis sp. nov. from western Taiwan. It reached the maximum length of 860 mm for a living clitellate and 637 mm after preservation. It is an autochthonous species found in Mt Beidongyan and the Meifeng area of the Central Mountain Range at elevations of 1800–2100 m. M. taiwanensis is octothecate and protandric, characters shared by Metaphire stephensoni (Michaelsen) of Indochina, and Metaphire bununa Tsai, Tsai and Liaw and Metaphire paiwanna Tsai, Tsai and Liaw of Taiwan. These four species are combined as a new species-group called the stephensoni-group within the genus Metaphire Sims and Easton. It is closely related to the congeneric ignobilis species-group, which is also octothecate but holandric. It differs from holandric and quadrithecate Metaphire magna (Chen) of Hainan Island, in which the length also reaches 700 mm. Specific variation and evolutionary trends in sizes and segment numbers of the Pheretima genus-gro...

Little information is available on the roles of earthworms in N transformation and biological activities in heavy metal-contaminated soils. The purpose of the present paper is to examine the effects of earthworm on nitrifying and denitrifying enzyme activities of Zn-treated soils. ZnCl2 solution was added to soils at rates ranging from 0 to 400 mg Zn kg–1 and was allowed to fractionate and stabilize for 60 days. The Zn-tolerant earthworm Pheretima sp., which had been previously screened, was then introduced into Zn-treated soils and allowed to work for 40 days. Original soils without the addition of Zn and introduction of earthworms but incubated under the same conditions were used as controls. Zn-treated soils without the introduction of earthworms were also used as controls. Results showed that earthworm activity increased both nitrifying and denitrifying enzyme activities of the soils. These beneficial effects of earthworms were particularly evident in the treatments where Zn had an adverse effect. Zn added at a rate ≤200 mg Zn kg–1 generally had a stimulating effect on the enzyme activities measured. However, Zn added at a rate >200 mg Zn kg–1 had an adverse effect on nitrifying and denitrifying enzyme activities, which could be alleviated or even completely eliminated by earthworm activities.

AsLn2, an unusual modified peptide, was isolated from the bioluminescent earthworm Fridericia heliota(Enchytraeidae). Its structure, elucidated by NMR and mass spectrometry, includes residues of tyrosine,CompX (a novel tyrosine modification product, reported in the accompanying paper), and N(omega)-acyl-ated lysine. Chromatography, UV, and 1 H NMR data imply a close structural similarity of AsLn2 withF. heliota luciferin. AsLn2 appears to be an intermediate or by-product in F. heliota luciferin biosynthesis. 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. The bioluminescence of earthworms has been insufficientlyinvestigated. Bioluminescent genera are found in three oligochaetafamilies: Megascolecidae, Lumbricidae, and Enchytraeidae. 1 Among them, only the bioluminescence mechanism of Diplocardialonga (Megascolecidae) has been established in terms of the chem-istry of its luciferin.The Siberian luminous earthworm (Fridericia heliota, onlyrecently described) belongs to the Enchytraeidae oligochaetafamily.

This paper describes two new species, each consisting of two subspecies, of protandric, octothecal pheretimoid earthworms from Taiwan. They are Metaphire paiwanna sp. nov. typica, Metaphire paiwanna var. liliumfordiI subsp. nov., Metaphire bununa sp. nov. typica and Metaphire bununa var. glareosus subsp. nov. The var. typica of both new species occurred on the west side of the Central Mountain Range, whereas the subspecies, liliumfordi and glareosus, occurred on the east side of the range. Apparently, the Central Mountain Range constitutes a geographical barrier for isolation and subspeciation. Metaphire paiwanna has a male disc medial to male pore (opening of copulatory pouch) with a horizontal ridge, the character shared by holandric and sexthecal Amynthas swanus (Tsai) of Taiwan and Metaphire aggera (Kobayashi) of Korea and Manchuria, whereas M. bununa resembles more closely holandric, octothecal Metaphire riukiuensis (Ohfuchi) of the Riukiu Islands than protandric, octothecal Metaphire stephensoni (Mi...

This paper describes 17 new earthworm species, most are from southeast and central Queensland, although two are from northern New South Wales, one is from Victoria and one, Anisochaeta sebastiani, appears widespread from Queensland to Tasmania. They represent about half of the 40 endemic species found during agroecological surveys conducted by the author between 1991 and 1993. Most of the new species are placeable in Diplotrema, Hiatidrilus, Digaster, in the revived genus Anisochaeta and in Propheretima. These genera are reviewed and, where necessary, their definitions emended. Questions are raised about the distinctiveness of several inadequately known species attributed to these latter two genera. Two new monotypic genera, Sebastianus and Zacharius, are created to accommodate two similar yet distinct species: Sebastianus angus sp. nov. and Zacharius zacharyi sp. nov.. In order to elucidate the relationships between taxa, three existing species are redescribed. To assist identification, specimens are ill...

In the Western Ghats (South India), the natural evergreen forest has been highly disturbed and fragmented for 150 years. The resultant vegetation is a mosaic of more or less disturbed forests, pastures, and crops (mainly paddy fields). This paper aims to assess the effects of anthropic disturbance on earthworm communities. Earthworms were collected at the end of the rainy season in a wide range of milieux distinguished by their vegetation, soil properties and topography. The earthworms found belong to the families #Octochaetidae$, #Megascolecidae$ and #Moniligastridae$. Densities ranged from 35.3 to 545.3 ind/m2. Biomass ranged from 2.35 to 52.56 g/m2. There was no clear relationship between these community characteristics and the vegetation, soil properties or topography as pastures and forests supported high or low densities (or biomasses). Nevertheless, some species were restricted to pastures, some species to forests and some species are found in all milieux. (Résumé d'auteur)

Pheretima (Pheretima) darnleiensis (Fletcher, 1886) Figs. 2���5 Synonymy: Perichaeta cingulata (part, cf. A. robustus); Vaillant, 1868 a: 225, 228; Vaillant, 1868 b: 146 ��� misidentifications. [Non Perichaeta cingulata Schmarda, 1861: 14, fig. 163 (= Megascolex cingulatus from Sri Lanka as redescribed by Beddard, 1892: 122, figs. 9���13; 1895: 382; Michaelsen, 1900: 229; Stephenson, 1923: 236, fig. 86)]. Perichaeta indica: Horst, 1885: 4 (syn. cingulata: Vaillant ��� misidentification). [Non Megascolex indicus Horst, 1883: 186 (= Amynthas corticis Kinberg, 1867 according to Easton, 1981: 49)]. Perichaeta Darnleiensis (sic) Fletcher, 1886 b: 966. [Dated ��� 1886 ��� e.g. by Michaelsen (1900) or dated ��� 1887 ��� by Sims & Easton (1972: 239, 260); Easton (1983: 732; 1984: 119). ��� The part containing Fletcher's paper was actually published on 17 November 1886 ��� ��� M.L. Augee, Editor, Proc. Linn. Soc. NSW (pers. comm. to RJB, Oct. 2004)]. From Darnley Island, Torres Straits, Australia. Types missing. Perichaeta vaillanti Beddard, 1890: 66; Beddard, 1895: 422 [Beddard (1895: 421, 422) thought Ph. (Ph.) philippina (Rosa, 1891) similar except for its two pairs of spermathecae, and Amynthas enganensis (Rosa, 1892) similar except for its longer spermathecal diverticula]; Michaelsen, 1900: 311. From Manila, Luzon, Philippines. Type in British Museum: BMNH 1904: 10: 5: 173. Perichaeta martensi Michaelsen, 1892: 242; Horst, 1893: 324; Beddard, 1895: 416 (?syn. darnleiensis); Michaelsen, 1896: 240 (syn. eoa); 1900: 282 (syn. javana, eoa). From Banka Island east of Sumatra. Types in Berlin: 2148. Perichaeta bosschae Horst, 1893: 324; Beddard, 1895: 432; Michaelsen, 1896: 238; 1900: 256; [the two specimens Beddard (1900 b) mis-identified as P. b os sch ae were given the new name of P. baruana Stephenson, 1942: 209, later included in synonymy of Metaphire malayana (Beddard, 1900 b) by Gates (1972: 199)]. Name misspelt ��� boschae ��� by Michaelsen (1896: 238). From Borneo (Baram River, Sambas). Type in Leiden Museum: 1829. Perichaeta martensi javana Michaelsen, 1894: 99. [Sims & Easton (1972: 260) misspelt Michaelsen���s martensi javana as ��� javanica ��� [non Rhodopis javanica Kinberg, 1867 (= Metaphire javanica)]. From Java. Types missing. Perichaeta darnleiensis: Beddard, 1895: 406. Perichaeta padasensis Beddard & Fedarb, 1895: 73. From Merabah, Padas Valley North Borneo. Types in British Museum: BMNH 1904:10.5: 119 ��� 26, 1263 ��� 4. ? Perichaeta atheca Rosa, 1896 a: 520; Michaelsen, 1900: 254; 1928: 41; Sims & Easton, 1972: 223 [who maintained it as species incertae sedis yet noted that Michaelsen (1928: 41) ��� regarded it as a subspecies of indica (= Pheretima (Pheretima) darnleiensis)���. From Sumatra (Balighe, Si-Rambe and Lake Toba). Types in Genoa: 44026 - 28-33. Perichaeta eoa Rosa, 1896 a: 528; Rosa, 1896 b: 609. Types in Genoa (44009 - 11) and Turin (151). Perichaeta floweri Benham 1897: 217. [Spermathecal pores in 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9; setae 35���45 and male pores superficial according to Michaelsen (1900: 267) but which were ��� doubtless ��� in copulatory chambers according to Gates (1934: 259) in his inspection of syntypes where he also noted the ��� finger-like ��� ampullae of the seminal vesicles (see description under Pheretima floweri below)]. From Bukit Timah, Singapore. Types in British Museum: BMNH 1896.9.30.9- 11. These three softened syntypes were inspected by Gates (1934: 258) and also by Sims & Easton (1972: 180). Perichaeta madelinae Benham 1897: 219. [Described by Michaelsen (1899: 76; 1900: 291) as either Amyntas or Pheretima padasensis madelinae (Benham); Reynolds & Cook (1976: 132) mistakenly attribute this taxon to Michaelsen (1899 - see below) as well as to Benham (1897)]. From Mt Kinabalu, North Borneo. Types in British Museum: BMNH 1896: 9: 30: 4. Perichaeta belli Rosa 1898 a: 286. From Mindoro, Philippines. Type in British Museum: BMNH 1898: 10:28.5. Megascolex cingulatus (part cf. A. robustus): Vaillant, 1889: 72. Amyntas padasensis lokonensis Michaelsen, 1899 b: 74 [miscited by Beddard (1900 a: 615) as page ��� 78 ���. Differs from madelinae by smaller size (ca. 45���68 mm) and having fewer setae (ca. 36)]. From Mt Lokon, Tomohon, North Celebes. Type missing from Basel Museum. Amyntas padasensis madelinae: Michaelsen, 1899 b: 76. [Differs from lokonensis by larger size (ca. 135 mm) and having greater setae (ca. 58)]. Amyntas padasensis padasensis: Michaelsen, 1899 b: 74. [Cited by Michaelsen (1900: 290) as P. padasensis (typica) and differentiated from its sub-species by size> 200 mm (ca. 280 mm) and having extra seminal vesicles in segment 13]. Amynthas martensi: Michaelsen, 1899 b: 87. Amyntas cingulatus: Vaillant (in part); Beddard, 1900 a: 615 [miscited by Sims & Easton (1972: 261) as page ��� 625 ���]; [syns. darnleiensis, vaillanti, martensi, indica Horst, eoa, madelinae, padasensis var. lokonensis, belli; also in a footnote Beddard (1900 a: 615) says that Perichaeta cingulata of Schmarda is of course a Megascolex as then defined]; Beddard, 1900 b: 892 [syns: indica (part), darneleiensis, vaillanti, martensi martensi, m. javana, eoa, madelinae, belli, padasensis lokonensis). Many of these synonyms were accepted by Sims & Easton (1972) who, however, also added padasensis and bosschae]. Amynthas padasensis: Beddard, 1900 a: 624. Amynthas bosschae: Beddard, 1900 a: 625; non Beddard, 1900 b: 892 (= M. baruana). Amyntas peregrinus (?part inc. floweri): Beddard, 1900 a: 644. Pheretima belli: Michaelsen, 1900: 255. Pheretima bosschae: Michaelsen, 1900: 256. Pheretima darnleyensis (sic, lapsus): Michaelsen, 1900: 263 (illegal emendation). ��� Pheretima darleyensis (sic): Michaelsen, 1900, p. 267 ��� reported by Easton (1982: 732) is perhaps a lapsus for the above lapsus. Pheretima floweri: Michaelsen, 1900: 267. Pheretima indica (part): Michaelsen, 1900: 275; Michaelsen, 1910 a: 260; Michaelsen, 1922: 41 (syn. kuchingensis); Michaelsen, 1923: 2; Michaelsen, 1928: 40 (part inc. indica typica = padasensis); Stephenson, 1930 b: 1; Stephenson, 1931 b: 273; Michaelsen, 1932 a: 614; Stephenson, 1932 b: 219; Ude, 1932: 147 (part inc. typica); Michaelsen, 1935: 108; Gates, 1935 b: 82, 83 (syn. floweri), 94; Gates, 1936 c: 389 (syn. quadragenaria (part) s. Michaelsen, 1924); Gates, 1937 a: 320; Gates, 1937 d: 193; Gates, 1940: 413; Gates, 1949: 26. [Note: Gates (1935 b) was referring to a concept of P. indica (Horst), 1883 that Gates later re-described as being P. darnleiensis (i.e., not as indica (= A. corticis)]. Pheretima martensi: Michaelsen, 1900: 282 (syn. m. javana, eoa). Pheretima padasensis typica: Michaelsen, 1900: 290. Pheretima padasensis lokonensis: Michaelsen, 1900: 290. Pheretima padasensis madelinae: Michaelsen, 1900: 291. Pheretima vaillanti: Michaelsen, 1900: 311. Pheretima decipiens Beddard, 1912: 180. Syn. nov. [Beddard said this species, which he described lengthily but poorly, seems to be ��� exactly like P. benguetensis ���, he failed to give any convincing argument for their separation and, moreover, since Ph. benguetensis was listed in synonymy of Ph. darnleiensis by Sims & Easton (1972) then Ph. decipiens most probably belongs too. One specimen (of how many?) had only three pairs of spermathcae]. From Luzon, Philippines. Types unknown. Pheretima benguetensis Beddard, 1912: 183, fig. 1. [This name was maintained in synonymy and provisionally separated in a pheretimoid checklist by Blakemore (2004 b: 133) because it was erroneously listed in a publication by Nakamura (1999: 27) as having only two pairs of spermathecal pores in 6 / 7 / 8 ��� this now known to be a mistake with reference to Beddard���s original description. Length to 190 mm]. From 1,524m in the Province of Benguet, Luzon, Philippines. Types unknown. Pheretima kuchingensis Stephenson, 1916: 337. From Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Type in Calcutta: 6539. Pheretima quadragenaria (part): Michaelsen, 1924 b: 391. [Note: Perrier���s species was originally described with only one pair of spermathecae in 7 / 8]. Pheretima borneoensis Ude, 1925: 108; Michaelsen, 1928: 55 (syn.? bosschae); Ude, 1932: 131; Michaelsen, 1934 b: 45. From Borneo. Types in British Museum: BMNH 1933: 10: 6: 26. Pheretima indica birangi Michaelsen, 1928: 42. From Borneo. Types missing. Pheretima floweri: Gates, 1934: 258; [Gates, inspected the three macerated British Museum syntypes with this label ��� Perichaeta floweri. [18]96.9.30 9���11. Bukit Timah, Singapore. S.S. Flower���; one specimen was useless and was discarded, his redescription was based on the external characters of an undissected specimen and the internal characters of both remaining specimens were both rather nondescript]. Pheretima padasensis: Kobayashi, 1941: 397. Pheretima (Pheretima) darnleiensis: Sims & Easton, 1972: 260 [syn. vaillanti, martensi, m. javanica [lapsus pro. javana], bosschae, padasensis, p. lokonensis, p. madelinae, eoa, floweri, madelinae, belli, kuchinensis, quadragenaria (part), benguetensis, borneoensis, indica birangi]; Easton, 1982: 732; Easton, 1984: 119 (syn. indica: Gates, 1937: 320); Blakemore, 1994: 368 (vaillanti, martensi, bosschae, padasensis, eoa, floweri, madelinae, belli, etc.); 2002: 216 (syn. vaillanti, martensi, bosschae, martensi javana, padasensis, eoa, floweri, madelinae, belli, padasensis lokonensis, benguetensis, kuchingensis, borneoensis, indica birangi); 2004: 136 (syn. vaillanti, martensi, m. javana, cingulatus (part), bosschae, padasensis, p. lokonensis, p. madelinae, eoa, floweri, belli, kuchinensis, quadragenaria (part), benguetensis, borneoensis, indica birangi). Diagnosis: Pheretima usually with four or, rarely, five (or 3?) pairs of spermathecae in (4 / 5) 5 / 6-8 / 9 about 0.2 circumference apart ventrally. Male pores on 18 ca. 0.2 circumference apart in slit-like copulatory pouches. Genital markings lacking. Intestinal caeca in or near 27, simple (or with slightly complex margins). Size range 45���400 (and up to 700 mm in life) by 2.5���6.0 mm. Distribution: the tropical Indo-Australasian Archipelago and islands: Malaysia, Singapore, Berhala Island east of the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Brunei, Indonesian Islands: e.g. Sereina (Sipora) of the Mentawei Islands west of Sumatra [(Rosa, 1896 b) reported by Sims & Easton (1972: 263) as ��� Metawei Is. ���), Krakatau Island, Sumatra, Java, Bali; Australian Territory of Christmas Island south of Java [e.g. by Michaelsen (1935) and Gates (1935 b: 94)], Philippines, North Celebes, Moluccas, Caroline Islands of Micronesia north of Papua New Guinea (Kobayashi, 1941), Fiji [Levuka, Ovalau ��� (Gates, 1937 c) as noted by Sims & Easton (1972: 263)], Kei Islands in the Arafura Sea just west of West Papua or Irian Jaya [by (Michaelsen, 1910 a) as cited by Sims & Easton (1972: 263)], and Darnley Island in the Torres Straits ��� after whence it was named but which is unlikely to be its true origin. Whereas, Easton (1982: 732) thought that records from Caroline, Kei, Fiji, and Darnley islands (at least?) were the result of introductions, Sims & Easton (1972: 263) are dismissive of reports from Sri Lanka, Manila [Vaillant (1889) cf. Perichaeta vaillanti], and South Africa. Moreover, historical reports from Hawaii and Brazil of ��� Perichaeta indica Horst ��� are more likely to refer to Amynthas corticis than to Ph. darnleiensis proper. Full lists for species from various regions, including the Pacific and ���Papuasia���, are presented in Blakemore (2005; 2006 a). Material examined: two mature specimens (both dissected and figured by RJB, the larger one at 385 mm designated as S 1, the shorter one at 305 mm, S 2), from Mt Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia collected by Dr M.T. Ito in 2003; several smaller less mature specimens collected from Mt Kinabalu by T. Kawaguchi on 16��� 17.ix. 2004 (e.g. samples labeled: ��� 040916 PAKA 3 -C���, ��� 040917 HELI 5 -B���), plus numerous immature specimens collected from lowlands East of Mt Kinabalu by T. Kawaguchi (e.g. those labeled: ��� 060305 T 3 - 3 ���, ��� 060302 R- 1-15 ��� and ��� 060302 R- 1-2 - 3 ���) that although aclitellate look like striped and more regularly coloured forms of Pheretima (Ph.) darnleiensis. All specimens held in YNU SERG Soil Ecology laboratory collection in Yokohama pending museum deposition. Length: range 45���385 mm [i.e., reported as 108 mm (Fletcher), 45���280 mm for sub-species of padasensis, 111���155 by 6 mm (Michaelsen, 1900) and 75���170 mm (Sims & Easton, 1972)]. Largest current specimens measure (S 1) 385 and (S 2) 305 mm, respectively, with the smaller specimens ca. 100���140 mm long. In life, specimens are longer ��� approaching 700 mm when stretched out (T. Kawaguchi and M. Schilthuizen pers. obs., and weblink http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Kinabalu _giant_earthworm Feb. 2007). Width: 2.5���6.0 mm mostly commensurate with length. Segments: 70���180 [155 by Fletcher, repeated by Beddard (1895: 406), 79���108 by Michaelsen or 70���120 by Sims & Easton]; current specimens had 127 (S 1 with possible posterior regrowth) and up to 180 segments in (S 2). Colour: blue-grey (natural) or brown (preserved) with darker clitellum (cf. some immature striped specimens from east of Mt Kinabalu were superficially similar, as noted above). Prostomium: open epilobous. First dorsal pore: 12 / 13 (S 1) or, less often 11 / 12 as in (S 2). Setae: numerous, especially in posterior, ca. 25���66 per segment, no ventral gaps nor crowding; variously 4���14 setae intervene between male pores. The original description had 60���66 setae per segment (as also for madelinae and belli, cf. 35���45 for floweri); current large specimens have 60���70 setae in anterior segments, whereas in smaller specimens 40���60 setae were counted. Nephropores: not detected. Clitellum: annular 14���16, setae occluded. Male pores: on 18 ca. 0.2 circumference (or ca. 3 mm in larger specimens) apart in slit-like copulatory pouches on distinct round porophores with intervening setae numbering 4���8 in smaller specimens to about 14 in larger current specimens. Female pores: single (or closely paired?) on 14. Spermathecal pores: usually four, rarely five pairs in (4 / 5), 5 / 6-8 / 9 (?or three pairs in 6 / 7 / 8 / 9) ca. 0.2 circumference apart ventrally approximately in line with 10 th setae on each side in current specimens. Genital markings: none. Septa: 4 / 5-7 / 8 thickened; 8 / 9 membranous (e.g. S 2) or absent (S 1 and some current smaller specimens), 9 / 10 absent; 10 / 11 + thickened. Dorsal blood vessel: single. Hearts: hearts 10,11���13; supra-oesophageal vessels present. Gizzard: between 7 / 8 / 9 and 10 / 11; in (S 1) occupying 9���10 with equally large ���crop��� in 7���8. Calciferous glands: oesophageal pouches absent (but some slight dilations in 11 and 13). Intestine origin (caeca, typhlosole): 15,�� 15 (S 1, S 2) or 16 (some current smaller specimens); caeca ��� simple or with complex margins ��� (Sims & Easton, 1972) but only simple form found in current large specimens or slightly incised ventrally in smaller specimens, paired in 27,26 ���24,22,21; simple lamellar typhlosole present commencing from about 25,26���28 (new observation on current specimens). Gut contains loamy soil. Nephridia: meroic; dense, tufted (?pepto-) nephridia on posterior septa in 5 and 6 (S 1 and smaller specimens), tubules also present on spermathecal ducts, numerous and diffuse elsewhere. Testes/sperm funnels: holandric, testes in 10 and 11 in testis sacs, seminal vesicles ��� each with a distinct finger-like dorsal extension ��� paired in 11 and 12; elongate pseudovesicles present in 13 (seen in S 1, S 2 and current smaller specimens that also had smaller pseudovesicles in 14), sometimes reported as ��� coelomic sacs ��� on 12 / 13 and 13 / 14 (Sims & Easton, 1972: 262) [or as ��� pseudovesicles ��� in 13 and 14 by Gates (1934)]. Ovaries: paired in 13 with densely packed bunches of egg strings; ovisacs not found. Prostates: large racemose in 17���19, ducts pass into copulatory pouches that each contains a conical penis and an anterior and posterior secretory pad; the coelomic surface of each pouch has small glandular masses above each pad. Spermathecae: paired in 6���9 (sometimes reported in 5���9); small, duct short and stout and coated with nephridial tubules; diverticulum ectal in origin and typically clavate (in lesser specimens) but sometimes with additional (two or three) lobes to its bulb that is equal in length to the stalk [or ��� ampulla ��� and ��� duct ��� by Sims & Easton (1972: 262) although ���ampulla��� and ���duct��� usually refer to the main structures of the spermatheca and on the diverticular appendage are more correctly known as the ���stalk��� and ���bulb���]. Other: paired septal glands noted at septal locations on intestinal along dorsal blood vessel (S 1). Many nematodes found in coelom of (S 2). Remarks. Fletcher (1886 b: 967) first reported ��� testes ��� in the unusual position of 11 and 12, but later (1887 b: 603) corrected these to seminal vesicles. Sims & Easton (1972: 264) found extra spermathecae only infrequently in a few of their Mt Kinabalu specimens but decided not the give them separate taxonomi, Published as part of Blakemore, Robert J., Csuzdi, Csaba, Ito, Masamichi T. & Kaneko, Nobuhiro, 2007, Taxonomic status and ecology of Oriental Pheretima darnleiensis (Fletcher, 1886) and other earthworms (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from Mt Kinabalu, Borneo, pp. 23-44 in Zootaxa 1613 on pages 27-34, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.179016, {"references":["Fletcher, J. J. (1886) Notes on Australian Earthworms. Part III. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of NSW, (2) 2, 377 - 402.","Beddard, F. E. (1892) On some species of the genus Perichaeta (sensu stricto). Proceedings of the Zoological Society, London, 1892, 153 - 172.","Michaelsen, W. (1900) Das Tierreich Vol. 10: Oligochaeta. Friedlander & Sohn, Berlin, pp. xxix + 575.","Stephenson, J. (1923) The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma. Oligochaeta. Taylor and Francis, London, pp. 518.","Horst, R. (1885) Vermes. Midden Sumatra, 4 (12), 1 - 13.","Horst, R. (1883) New species of the genus Megascolex Templeton (Perichaeta Schmarda) in the collections of the Leyden Museum. Notes from the Leyden Museum, 5, 182 - 196.","Sims, R. W. & Easton, E. G. (1972) A numerical revision of the earthworm genus Pheretima auct. (Megascolecidae: Oligochaeta) with the recognition of new genera and an appendix on the earthworms collected by the Royal Society North Borneo Expedition. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 4, 169 - 268.","Horst, R. (1893) Descriptions of earthworms. No. 7. On the Malayan earthworms. Notes from the Leyden Museum, 15, 316 - 329.","Beddard, F. E. (1900 b). On the earthworms collected during the \" Skeat Expedition \" to the Malay Peninsula, 1899 - 1900. Proceedings of the Zoological Society, London, 1900, 891 - 911.","Gates, G. E. (1972) Burmese Earthworms, an introduction to the systematics and biology of Megadrile oligochaetes with special reference to South-East Asia. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, 62 (7), 1 - 326.","Beddard, F. E. & Fedarb, S. M. (1895) On some Perichaetidae from the Eastern Archipelago collected by Mr Everett.","Michaelsen, W. (1928). Die Oligochaten Borneos. Arkiv for Zoologi, 20 (3), 1 - 60.","Gates, G. E. (1934) Notes on some earthworms from the Indian Museum. Records of the Indian Museum, 36, 233 - 277.","Reynolds, J. W. & Cook, D. G. (1976) Nomenclatura Oligochaetologica: a catalogue of names, descriptions and type specimens of the Oligochaeta. University of New Brunswick, Fredericton (or Ottawa, Runge Press), pp 217.","Beddard, F. E. (1900 a) A revision of the earthworm genus Amyntas. Proceedings of the Zoological Society, London, 1900. 609 - 652.","Easton, E. G. (1982) Australian pheretimoid earthworms (Megascolecidae: Oligochaeta): a synopsis with the description of a new genus and five new species. Australian Journal of Zoology, 30, 711 - 735.","Stephenson, J. (1931) Oligochaeta from the Malay Peninsula. Journal of the Federated Malay Museums, 16, 261 - 285.","Michaelsen, W. (1935) Oligochaeta from Christmas Island, South of Java. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, London, 10 (15), 100 - 108.","Gates, G. E. (1935 b) On some Earthworms from East Perak and Christmas Island. Bulletin of the Raffles Museum, 10, 80 - 95. [Published Oct. 1935 see http: // rmbr. nus. edu. sg / rbz / biblio / 10 / 10 brm 080 - 095. pdf].","Gates, G. E. (1937) On some earthworms from Singapore and Malay Peninsula. Bulletin of the Raffles Museum, 13, 189 - 197. [http: // rmbr. nus. edu. sg / rbz / biblio / 13 / 13 brm 189 - 197. pdf].","Beddard, F. E. (1912) The oligochatea terricolae of the Philippines. Part 1. The genus Pheretima. Philippines Journal of Science (series D), 7, 79 - 203.","Blakemore, R. J. (2004) Checklist of Pheretimoid earthworms after Sims & Easton (1972). In: Moreno, A. G. and Borges, S. (eds.) Avances en taxonomia de lombrices de tierra / Advances in earthworm taxonomy (Annelida: Oligochaeta). Editorial Complutense, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain, pp. 126 - 154. [Published July, 2004 in English with some Spanish translation].","Nakamura, Y. (1999) Checklist of Earthworms of Pheretima Genus Group (Megascolecidae: Oligochaeta) of the World. Edaphologia 64, 1 - 78.","Ude, H. (1925) Regenwurmer von Borneo. Zoologischer Anzeiger, 61, 60 - 85.","Easton, E. G. (1984) Earthworms (Oligochaeta) from islands of the south-western Pacific, and a note on two species from Papua New Guinea. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 11, 111 - 128.","Blakemore, R. J. (1994) Earthworms of south-east Queensland and their agronomic potential in brigalow soils. PhD. Thesis, University of Queensland, pp 605 with the description of 75 species, including 80 figures.","Blakemore, R. J. (2005) A Series of Searchable Texts on Earthworm Biodiversity, Ecology and Systematics from Various Regions of the World. Eds. N. Kaneko & M. T. Ito. COE Soil Ecology Research Group, Yokohama National University, Japan. CD publication also online at YNU COE website http: // bio-eco. eis. ynu. ac. jp / eng / database / earthworm /.","Blakemore, R. J. (2006 a) A Series of Searchable Texts on Earthworm Biodiversity, Ecology and Systematics from Various Regions of the World - Supplemental. Eds. N. Kaneko & M. T. Ito. COE Soil Ecology Research Group, Yokohama National University, Japan. CD publication also online online at YNU COE website http: // bio-eco. eis. ynu. ac. jp / eng / database / earthworm /.","Lee, K. E. (1981) Earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of Vanua Tu (New Hebrides Islands). Australian Journal of Zoology, 29, 535 - 72."]}

In 2012, we conducted earthworm surveys in Matsu Islands, and described five new species of the genera Amynthas and Metaphire and reported two new records, Desmogaster sinensis Gates, 1930 and Ocnerodrilus occidentalis Eisen, 1878. This paper describes three new species, one of them with two new subspecies, Amynthas nanganensis nanganensis sp. nov. et ssp. nov. and Amynthas nanganensis beiganensis ssp. nov., Drawida beiganica sp. nov. and Drawida dongyinica sp. nov., provides a new record of Drawida koreana Kobayashi, 1938 from the remaining specimens collected in the surveys, reports DNA barcodes (the 5' end sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) from type specimens and further reference specimens of the new species, and lists a total of 27 earthworm species and subspecies found from Matsu Islands. Pheretimoid earthworms made up 66.7% of the total number of the species, with Metaphire matsuensis Shen, 2014 and Metaphire californica (Kinberg, 1867) the most dominant. Our findings indicate that the earthworm fauna of Matsu Islands is more closely related to that of warm temperate China than to Taiwan or tropical southern China.

The paper provides descriptions of three new species of the earthworm genus Polypheretima Michaelsen, 1934 from Dong Nai Province, South Vietnam. They are named Po. cattienensis sp. nov., Po. militium sp. nov., and Po. cordata sp. nov.. All three species are characterized by spermathecal pores in 5/6/7 and the absence of genital markings. Po. cattienensis sp. nov. is distinguished by paired spermathecal pores and seven spermathecae per porus. Po. militium sp. nov. is diagnosed by paired spermathecal pores and a variable number of spermathecae, 21-40 altogether, with 7-17 in 5/6 and 11-23 in 6/7. Po. cordata sp. nov. is recognized by one pair of spermathecal pores in 5/6 and two in 6/7, by only one spermatheca per porus, and by a heart-shaped spermathecal ampulla.

This paper describes a new species of athecate earthworm belonging to the illotus species-group of the genus Amynthas Kinberg from Taiwan. It is Amynthas hohuanmontis sp. nov. from Mt Hohuan at an elevation of 3000 m in the Central Mountain Range. The athecate earthworm Amynthas pusillus (Ohfuchi) from Ishigaki Island, Riukiu is found to be synonymous with Amynthas assacceus (Chen) from Hainan Island, China. Accordingly, the A. illotus species-group currently consists of A. hohuanmontis sp. nov. from Taiwan, A. illotus (Gates) from Yunnan and Riukiu, A. assacceus (Chen) of Hainan and Riukiu, A. sheni (Chen) from Hong Kong and A. oyuensis (Ohfuchi) from Japan. Based on characters of particularly the porophore structure, the five species are divided into two species-subgroups: the sheni species-subgroup of A. sheni and A. hohuanmontis, and the assacceus species-subgroup of A. illotus, A. assacceus and A. oyuensis. The two subgroups might have differentiated from two independent ancestors. The five species s...

This paper describes four new species of earthworms from Hainan Island, China: Amynthas stricosus sp. nov., Amynthas fuscus sp. nov., Amynthas montanus sp. nov. and Amynthas genitalis sp. nov. They all belong to the Amynthas corticis-group withfour pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6–8/9. Amynthas stricosus sp. nov. has postsetal genital papillae within the male poreregion, single or paired in XVII, XIX and XX, a heart-shaped spermathecal ampulla, and the terminal 0.4 of the spermathecaldiverticulum dilated into a band-shaped chamber. Amynthas fuscus sp. nov. has no genital papillae, an irregular heart-shapedspermathecal ampulla, and the terminal 0.25 of the diverticulum dilated into an enlongated ovoid seminal chamber. Amynthas montanus sp. nov. has two pairs of large ovate and flat-topped genital papillae within the male pore region, diameter0.7–0.8mm, surrounded by epidermal folds, paired on 17/18, 18/19 and accompanied closely with the male pores, heart-shapedspermathecal ampulla, terminal 0.4 of diverticulum dilated into a rod-shaped chamber, with hairpin-looped stalk. Amynthas genitalis sp. nov. has four longitudinally arranged pairs of ovate and flat-topped genital papillae within the male pore region,diameter 0.4–0.5mm, one paired postsetal and presetal papillae on XVII and XIX respectively, and two paired on XVIIIanterior and posterior to the setal annulet, and small and ovoid spermathecal ampulla, terminal 0.29 of diverticulum dilated into a rod-shaped chamber.

This paper describes three new species of earthworms from Hainan Island, China: Amynthas trapezoides sp. nov., Amynthas conchipapillatus sp. nov. and Amynthas dongfangensis sp. nov. Amynthas trapezoides has no pigment, and has two pairs of spermathecal pores in 6/7 and 7/8 arranged trapezoidally near the mid-ventral line, a complicated glandular region on ventral side of 1/2XVII–1/4XIX, developed prostates and repeatedly curved prostatic ducts close to ventral midline. Amynthas conchipapillatus sp. nov. has no pigment, and has a pair of large convex smooth shellfish-like papillae in male pore region, only one pair of spermathecal pores in 5/6 and undeveloped thin prostates which closely adherent to the body wall. Amynthas dongfangensis sp. nov. has a pair of male pores on the centre of a flat-topped conical protuberance surrounded by three to five circular folds, and five pairs of spermathecal pores in 4/5–8/9.

In August 2009 the Natural History Museum London, Hungarian Natural History Museum and Systematic Zoology Research group, Entomological Museum in Leon and The Society for Environmental Exploration, mounted the first earthworm collection expedition to Nicaragua. No native earthworm species had previously been recorded for this country. This paper lists 18 new species records for the Country with the description of two new taxa to science: Eutrigaster (Graffia) azul sp. n. and Eutrigaster (Graffia) nicaraoi sp. n. New data on the species Eutrigaster (Eutrigaster) oraedivitis Cognetti, 1904 is also presented here.