Amynthas papulosus (Rosa, 1896)

Kharkongor, Ilona J., 2018, Taxonomic and ecological studies on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, Records of the Zoological Survey of India 118 (1), pp. 56-56 : 56-

3. Amynthas papulosus (Rosa, 1896)

1896. Perichaeta papulosa Rosa, Ann. Mus. Genova , 36 (2): 525.

Material examined: 2 ex. Regn. No. IV /ANN/NERC-55. India, Meghalaya, WKH 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 .

Diagnosis: Length 45-78 mm. Segments 90-119. Prostomium epilobic. Perichaetine. First dorsal pore in 12-13. Spermathecal pores in 5/6/7/8. Clitellum 14-16, annular, setae usually present on ventral side. Female pore on 14, single and mid-ventral. Male pores a pair on 18. Genital papillae in form of small, pre- and post-setal discs in transverse rows in 7-9. Similar discs also present in transverse rows in 17-19.

Septa 8/9/10 lacking. Gizzard in 8-9. Intestine from 16. Intestinal caeca in 27 extending anteriorly to 22. Spermathecae paired in 6-8. Ovaries paired in 13. Testis sacs paired in 10 and 11. Seminal vesicles paired in 11 and 12.

Distribution: INDIA: Meghalaya (WKHD). Elsewhere: Japan, China, Taiwan, SE Asia.

Remarks: Tentatively conferred to this species as the diagnosis is closest to it, and the species has never been reported from India. Blakemore (2002) has included SE Asia in the distribution range of this species. Since Meghalaya is geographically close to the western extremity of SE Asia, there is the possibility of this peregrine species being spread/transported to NE India by anthropogenic means. This species may also be grouped as an epi-endogeic species favouring habitats which are moist and rich in minerals and/or in leaf litter.