Perionyx Perrier, 1872

Plisko, Jadwiga Danuta, 2010, Megadrile earthworm taxa introduced to South African soils (Oligochaeta: Acanthodrilidae, Eudrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae), African Invertebrates 51 (2), pp. 289-289 : 304

Genus Perionyx Perrier, 1872

Perionyx excavatus Perrier, 1872: 126

The species is sometimes assigned to the acanthodrilids, but after a recent molecular study its megascolecid status has been confirmed ( Jamieson et al. 2002).

Described from the Himalayas ( Gates 1972). Common in Asia; distributed by man around the world. Extensively used in experimental and applied practices in the breakdown of organic wastes, vermicomposting, protein production and soil toxicology, and as indicator of soil quality.A batch of specimens imported to RSA for experimental study ( Hallatt et al. 1990, 1992; Reinecke et al. 1992; Reinecke & Alberts 1994; Reinecke & Pieters 1997, 1998) initiated the growth of small populations in compost heaps near Potchefstroom (NW). Also found at a vermicomposting farm in Camperdown (KZN).