Three new "caecate" earthworm species from Sulawesi, Indonesia (Oligochaeta, Megascolecidae)

Zookeys. 2018 Dec 11:(805):1-14. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.805.24834. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Three new earthworm species are described from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Two belong to the genus Pithemera Sims & Easton, 1972, namely P.suwastikai Fahri, Amaliah & Atmowidi, sp. n. and P.tadulako Fahri, Amaliah & Atmowidi, sp. n. The new species, P.suwastikai sp. n. is distinguished by a medium size (135-165 mm long, 4.5-6.5 mm diameter), four pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6/7/8/9, 7-12 setae between male pores, no genital markings, holandry, and simple intestinal caeca. Pithemeratadulako sp. n. is recognized by a large size (217-340 mm long, 13-15 mm diameter), two pairs of spermathecal pores in 7/8/9, no setae between male pores, no genital markings, holandry, and simple intestinal caeca. Another new species, Metaphirerusydii Fahri, Amaliah & Nguyen, sp. n., is diagnosed by its large size (250-280 mm long,12-16 mm diameter), two pairs of spermathecal pores in 7/8/9, no setae between male porophores, presence of genital markings in the male region, holandry, and complex intestinal caeca. Additionally, an identification key to "caecate" species is provided to the Sulawesi's fauna.

Keywords: Metaphire; Pithemera; Caecate earthworms; Indonesia; Sulawesi; new species.