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Taxonomic And Ecological Studies On The Earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) Of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya


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1 North Eastern Regional Centre, Risa Colony, Shillong – 793003, Meghalaya, India
 

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The earthworms collected from the West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya are dealt with in this paper. Besides the taxonomic identification of the earthworms in to 32 species fewer than 12 genera, 4 families and 2 orders, the species have also been assigned in to separate ecological groups. 6 species are epigeic or epi-anecic, 11 species are endogeic, 2 species are endoanecic, 5 species are endo-polyhumic and 1 species is endo-mesohumic. The list also includes 6 endemic species. Amynthas populosus is recorded for the first time from India, while 8 species are reported for the first time from Meghalaya. Out of the 32 species from the District, 31 species are recorded for the first time from West Khasi Hills district.

Keywords

Amynthas populosus, Ecological Groups, Endemic Earthworms, Faunal List, First Record.
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  • Taxonomic And Ecological Studies On The Earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) Of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya

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Authors

Ilona J. Kharkongor
North Eastern Regional Centre, Risa Colony, Shillong – 793003, Meghalaya, India

Abstract


The earthworms collected from the West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya are dealt with in this paper. Besides the taxonomic identification of the earthworms in to 32 species fewer than 12 genera, 4 families and 2 orders, the species have also been assigned in to separate ecological groups. 6 species are epigeic or epi-anecic, 11 species are endogeic, 2 species are endoanecic, 5 species are endo-polyhumic and 1 species is endo-mesohumic. The list also includes 6 endemic species. Amynthas populosus is recorded for the first time from India, while 8 species are reported for the first time from Meghalaya. Out of the 32 species from the District, 31 species are recorded for the first time from West Khasi Hills district.

Keywords


Amynthas populosus, Ecological Groups, Endemic Earthworms, Faunal List, First Record.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi%2Fv118%2Fi1%2F2018%2F123034