A synopsis of the earthworms (Clitellata, Megadrili) of South Asia including Myanmar

Narayanan, Sasankan Prasanth and Paliwal, Rahul and Thomas, Ambattu Pail and Julka, Jatinder Manohar (2026) A synopsis of the earthworms (Clitellata, Megadrili) of South Asia including Myanmar. OPUSCULA ZOOLOGICA (BUDAPEST), 57 (2). pp. 3-147. ISSN 0237-5419

Preview

Text Op_Earthworms_S_Asia.pdf - Published Version Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

A first comprehensive summary of the earthworm species hitherto known from South Asia including Myanmar ispresented. This work is based on an extensive review of available published data covering over a period of 181 years (1844–2026 April 7th), highlights the diversity and provides a synopsis of their distribution in South Asia including Myanmar. Itincludes the currently used valid scientific name, type locality, type repository information and the species distribution in allthe nine countries within South Asia-Myanmar region. Apart from these, here we critically reviewed the original descriptionsand reinvestigated the type materials of Progizzardus varadiamensis Nair, 2010, Dichogaster vellanikkarae Jaya, Aja & Nair,2011, Megascolex kavalaianus Stephenson, 1915, and Megascolex trivandranus Stephenson, 1916. As a result, D.vellanikkarae, is a junior synonym of Dichogaster bolaui (Michaelsen, 1891), while M. kavalaianus and M. trivandranus, arefound to be junior synonyms of Megascolex insignis Michaelsen, 1910, respectively. Whereas, due to the immature state ofthe type materials, P. varadiamensis represent a Glyphidrilus species, most probably G. annandalei Michaelsen, 1910. Intotal, earthworm fauna of South Asia-Myanmar region comprises 698 species belonging to 78 genera, spread over 9 families.Of these, 85% are endemic, 9% exotic peregrine, followed by native peregrines and others. The family Megascolecidae andthe genus Drawida exhibit high species diversity. Among the countries, India has the highest species richness with 503species followed by Myanmar (208 spp.) and least number is recorded from the Maldives (2 spp.). India has the highestnumber of endemic species (384 spp. sensu stricto), followed by Myanmar and Sri Lanka, have 107 and 58 endemic speciesrespectively. Meanwhile, there are another 44 species found endemic to the South Asia-Maynmar area, but have beendistributed in two or more countries of the region. Taxonomic investigations on the earthworm fauna have not been carriedout comprehensively in most of the South Asian countries. The present work can serve as a basis for further studies on theregional distribution and diversity of earthworm fauna that would help to evolve conservation strategies.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item