Checklist of the earthworms (Oligochaeta) of Kerala, a constituent of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India

Zootaxa. 2016 Nov 15;4193(1):zootaxa.4193.1.5. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.4193.1.5.

Abstract

A checklist of earthworm species hitherto known from Kerala, a constituent of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in India, is presented. In total, 88 species and subspecies are recorded, of which 55 are Kerala endemics, 9 near endemics, 14 exotics and 10 native peregrines. These belong to 26 genera and 9 families. The checklist includes the literature citation to the original description, type locality, any significant subsequent generic placements, and the district distributional pattern for each species/ subspecies.

Keywords: Annelida, Earthworms, Clitellata, Kerala, Western Ghats, India, checklist, distribution.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution
  • Animals
  • Biodiversity
  • Checklist
  • India
  • Oligochaeta / classification*