Native earthworms (Oligochaeta) from southeastern Australia, with the description of fifteen new species

Abstract

This paper describes 15 new and five known endemic earthworm species, and provides keys to New South Wales genera. Two new species of Plutellus require expansion of the generic diagnosis to allow species with short stalks to the calciferous glands (always subordinate to the plesiomorphic tubular prostates that characterise this genus and distinguish it from Heteroporodrilus). For Vesiculodrilus, the nominal type species of the genus, V. frenchi (Spencer, 1892), is redescribed and figured on a neotype. Nephridial vesicles, essential for inclusion in Vesiculodrilus, are newly reported in V. frenchi. Two new species from Mt Kosciuszko are added to this genus.Syntypes of Heteroporodrilus canaliculatus (Fletcher, 1889) and H. mediterreus (Fletcher, 1887b) are rediscovered, lectotypes are designated, and these species are redescribed. Six new species are added to Heteroporodrilus requiring the generic diagnosis to be amended to accept calciferous glands that are stalked, sessile, or annular. Intermittent nephropore alternation to mid-setal lines, once thought diagnostic only of H. shephardi (Spencer, 1900), is reported in several other species. The close affinities amongst heteroporodrilids widely distributed in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia is accounted for by fluvial transport along the river systems such as the Murray-Darling.New material of Cryptodrilus fastigatus Fletcher, 1889 is described and a congeneric species proposed, allowing explanation of the intraspecific variation in their male fields: The pore-like "genital markings" are actually modified nephropores that function for excretion, rather than copulation. One species of Megascolides from Bago-Maragle State Forest is newly described; variation in forms of tubular prostates is briefly considered in remarks following this species' description. Two new species are added to Notoscolex, and one new species to Digaster.

Further records of non-cryptic New Zealand earthworms

“…Specimens were sketched, dissected and described under low power microscope using the techniques and conventions noted in Blakemore (2000 , 2002 , 2008 ). Tissue samples were taken from new type-species to attempt DNA/COI barcode analysis – any results are to be posted in GenBank.…”

“…Tissue samples were taken from new type-species to attempt DNA/COI barcode analysis – any results are to be posted in GenBank. Classification follows Blakemore (2000) at family level and Blakemore (2002 , 2008 , 2010 , 2000b ) at genus and species levels. Discussion is confined to comments after species descriptions and endnote summaries of taxonomic conclusions.…”

“…Changes invoked by Blakemore (2000a , 2000b , 2000c , 2004 , 2006 , 2008 , 2010 ), and currently, compared to Lee’s (1959) original, and clarifying some reversions/omission or errors in Buckley et al (2011) concerning native species/genera are:…”

“…This was, however, not finally published until 10 years later as modified under Glasby et al (2009) . Whereas the seminal works by Lee (1952 , 1959 ) culminated in approximately 193 species in two families, subsequent lists by Blakemore (2000a , 2004 , 2006 , 2010 ) totaled 214 taxa in five families with some names removed and several others added.…”

The Status of Vermicomposting in North America: A Rapidly Developing Technology

“…Australia has a unique earthworm fauna of native Megascolecidae; some 350 species have been described, with at least as many more in research collections awaiting description (Blakemore 2000). New Zealand lists 178 species of indigenous Megascolecidae, many with links to the native Australian earthworm fauna (Lee 1959).…”