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- Title
A numerical study of the Australian earthworm genera Cryptodrilus Fletcher and Trinephrus Beddard, with a new genus (Megascolecidae: Oligochaeta).
- Authors
JAMIESON, B. G. M.
- Abstract
Species of Cryptodrilus and Trinephrus, South-east Australian genera previously suppressed as synonyms of Notoscolex, are redescribed. The affinities of the species of the Cryptodrilus-Trinephrus complex, both within the complex and with other groupings, are determined from considerations of general anatomy complemented by a taxonometric comparison of setal intervals in the species studied. It is concluded that Cryptodrilus must be re-established as an independent genus to include, in addition to the type-species (C. rusticus), all species of Eastern Australia and Tasmania previously referred to Trinephrus. A key to all constituent species is provided and three species-groups are recognized. Cryptodrilus is unique in the Oligochaeta in having multiple excretory bladders in a segment, a condition hitherto unknown. Megascolides diaphanus Spencer, an avesiculate species from Victoria resembling Cryptodrilus in replication of nephridia, is shown to merit recognition of a new monotypic genus, Pseudocryptodrilus. Both Cryptodrilus and Pseudocryptodrilus are shown from the taxonometric study to have perionychine affinities, having close relationships with the vesiculate Plutellus sensu stricto and the avesiculate Simsia respectively. They show only low affinities with dichogastrine genera, represented by the type-species of Notoscolex and Megascolides. Pseudocryptodrilus is assignable to the Perionychini as previously defined but inclusion of Cryptodrilus would require emendment of the definition of the tribe to include total absence of holonephry, a step deferred pending further investigations. The validity of dividing Notoscolex into separate genera on the basis of the excretory system is confirmed. Association (in the Tribe Dichogastrini) of meronephric genera with tubular prostates (formerly placed in the family Octochaetidae) with those with racemose prostates (formerly the family Megascolecidae) receives strong support.
- Publication
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 1972, Vol 51, Issue 2, p147
- ISSN
0024-4082
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1096-3642.1972.tb00779.x