Two new genera and some new species of Australian earthworms (Acanthodrilidae, Megascolecidae: Oligochaeta)

• Published in: Journal of natural history Vol. 31; no. 12; pp. 1785 - 1848
• Main Author: Blakemore, R.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.12.1997
• Subjects: agroecology; Anisochaeta; Australia; Digaster; Diplotrema; Earthworms; Hiatidrilus; Sebastianus; Spenceriella; systematics; Zacharius
• ISSN: 0022-2933; 1464-5262
• DOI: 10.1080/00222939700770951

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 illustrated and three tables and one key for comparing characters are provided. The agroecological potential of several species was investigated in glasshouse and field studies, often for the first time. These results are noted in the descriptions along with species distributions. This study highlights deficiencies in our knowledge of the diversity and ecology of native earthworms and demonstrates the need for further taxonomic revision of several genera.