A Comparative Taxonomic Account of Four Composting Earthworms with Notes on the Possibility of Use of Perionyx sansibaricus (Oligochaeta:Annelida) in Vermicomposting Industry

VermicLilture and vermicomposting are now globally recognized sustainable livelihood activities related to sustainable organic farming. Selected species of earthworms have been used for vermicomposting purpose. So far three species, namely, -Eisenia foetida (Savigny), Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) and Perionyx excavatus Perrier, are widely used in vermicomposting activities. Of these three species, Eisenia foetida is originated from Europe, Eudrilus eugeniae from Africa and Perionyx excavatus is cosmopolitan in distribution. In this communication another species of earthworm, viz, Perionyx sansibaricus Michaelsen is reported as a prospective worm for use in commercial vermicomposting in semi-arid regions of West Bengal (Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts) based on some earlier stray records as well as successful culture of this species by a farmer of West Bengal for such usage.