Taxonomic and ecological studies on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya
Author
Kharkongor, Ilona J.
text
Records of the Zoological Survey of India
2018
2018-01-01
118
1
56
56
http://dx.doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v118/i1/2018/123034
journal article
10.26515/rzsi/v118/i1/2018/123034
2581-8686
10956085
2.
Amynthas gracilis
(Kinberg, 1867)
1867.
Nitocris gracilis
Kinberg,
Ofvers. K. Vetensk. Acad. Forth. Stockh
.
,
23
: 112.
1891.
Perichaeta hawayana
Rosa,
Ann. Nat. Hofmus. Wein
,
6
: 396.
1972.
Amynthas hawayanus
: Sims & Easton,
Biol. J. Linn. Soc
.,
4
(3): 235
1982.
Amynthas gracilis
:
Easton,
Aust. J. Zool
.,
30
: 711-735.
Materials examined
:
6 ex.
Regn. No.
IV/ANN/NERC-08.
India
,
Meghalaya
,
West Khasi Hills District
,
Domkseh
,
N 25
o
31’58.4”
;
E 91
o
27’42.8”
;
Alt.
1855m
,
25.vi.2010
, coll.
I.J.Kharkongor
and party
;
3 ex.
Regn. No. IV
/ANN/ NERC-16.
India
,
Meghalaya
,
West Khasi Hills District
,
Winnia Falls area
,
N 25
o
26’59.0”
;
E 91
o
14’45.1”
;
Alt.
1318m
,
24.vi.2010
, coll.
I.J.Kharkongor
and party
;
3 ex.
Regn. No.
IV/ANN/NERC-48.
India
,
Meghalaya
,
West Khasi Hills District
,
Nongstoiñ-Markasa
road,
N 25
o
31’51.0”
;
E 91
o
22’58.5”
;
Alt.
1514m
,
25.vi.2010
, coll.
I.J.Kharkongor
and party
;
3 ex.
Regn. No. IV
/ANN/ NERC-52.
India
,
Meghalaya
,
West Khasi Hills District
,
Nongstoiñ
,
Siejlieh,
N.
25
o
31’47.8”;
E 91
o
15’13.0”
; Alt.
1324m
,
26.vi.2010
, coll.
I.J.Kharkongor
and party;
2 ex.
Regn. No. IV/ANN/NERC-54.
India
,
Meghalaya
, WKH District, Nongstoiñ,
N. 25
o
31’47.8”
;
E 91
o
15’13.0”
;
Alt.
1324m
,
26.vi.2010
, coll.
I.J.Kharkongor
and party
;
2 ex.
Regn. No.
IV/ANN/NERC-56.
India
,
Meghalaya
,
West Khasi Hills District
,
Nongstoiñ-Siejlieh
(stn-2),
N 25
o
31’47.8”
;
E 91
o
15’13.0”
;
Alt.
1324m
,
26.vi.2010
, coll.
I.J.Kharkongor
and party
.
Diagnosis
: Length
56-156 mm
; segments 70-101. Epilobic, tongue wide and open. Perichaetine. First dorsal pore in 10/11 or 11/12. Spermathecal pores three pairs in 5/6- 7/8. Clitellum 14-16, annular, with no setae or dorsal pores. Female pore single, mid-ventral on 14. Male pores minute, paired on 18, on small circular porophores. Genital markings small discs, paired, post-setal in some of 6-9 and slightly median to spermathecal pore lines.
Septa 8/9-9/10 aborted. Gizzard bell-shaped, in 8-10. Intestines from 15. Intestinal caeca extending forward from 27. Spermathecae a pair each in 6,7,8. Ovaries paired in 13. Testis sacs paired in 10 and 11, ventrally joined. Seminal vesicles a pair each in 11 and 12.
Distribution
:
INDIA
:
Meghalaya
(JHD, EKHD),
Manipur
,
Rajasthan
,
Sikkim
,
Uttar Pradesh
, and
West Bengal
.
Elsewhere
: Cosmopolitan.
Remarks:
Recorded for the first time from WKHD. The species is also classified as an epi-endogeic species of earthworm as it is generally found living and feeding in the mineral soil at or below the root mat, and also on the surface where there is a rich layer of leaf litter.