Three New Earthworms of the Genus Amynthas (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from Nam Ha NPA, Laos

Abstract

Three new species of Amynthas (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) were discovered in the Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) of Laos. These are Amynthas namhaensis sp. nov., Amynthas vanhi sp. nov., and Amynthas angtanensis sp. nov. Amynthas namhaensis sp. nov. and Amynthas vanhi sp. nov. are athecal, with male pores 0.14-0.17 and 0.17-0.19 circumference apart ventrally, respectively. Amynthas angtanensis sp. nov. has four pairs of spermathecal pores on 4/5-7/8, with male pores very closely set at 0.07-0.1 circumference apart. Descriptions of the new species are provided, including illustrations of the ventral view, intestinal caeca, and spermathecae.