Udeina adriani, Plisko, 2004

Plisko, Jadwiga Danuta, 2004, Review of the balantine genus Udeina Michaelsen, 1910 with descriptions of six new species in South Africa (Oligochaeta: Acanthodrilidae, Acanthodrilinae), African Invertebrates 45 (1998), pp. 287-287 : 296-297

Udeina adriani sp. n.

Figs 1–3

Etymology: Named in honour of Dr Adrian J. Armstrong of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who supported research on Acanthodrilinae in KZN, and collected this species.

Type material: Holotype: clitellate NMSA/Olig.03622 KwaZulu­Natal: Drakensberg, section of Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, Injasuthi [new spelling: Inijasuthi] (29º06'50.671"S: 29º26'33.834"E), opposite camp, hillside at approx. 1540 m at south­facing slope, wooded grassland at edge of dry drainage in Protea savannah, 2–10cm below surface, among roots of medium­tall Themeda grass, 14 June 2002, A. J. Armstrong.

Description:

External features:

Body cylindrical, 100 mm long, 5 mm wide at segment 10, 4 mm posteriorly, in life and freshly alcohol­preserved, dorsally violet up to middle of the body length, violet colouration extending to c setae; last three segments also pigmented; ventrally yellowish­grey. Colouration fading after preservation. Segment number: holotype 147. Prostomium: tanylobous with distinct sutures. Setae: widely paired; postclitellarly ab = cd; aa> cd. Dorsal pores: not observed. Nephridial pores: externally noted only in intersegmental furrows 20/21–27/28. Spermathecal pores: in intersegmental furrow 7/8, ventro­laterally, in front of b setae on small swellings. Female pores: paired, in 14, in front of a setae. Clitellum : saddle­shaped, on 13–17; ventral edges extending to b setal lines. Prostatic pores: ventro­laterally, in 19 near b setae, encircled by small swollen papillae. Male pores: probably in 18, laterally to b setae, where externally are tiny openings; internally not confirmed. Seminal grooves: not observed. Papillae: not observed.

Internal characters:

Salivary glands: do not extend backwards beyond septum 4/5. Gizzard: well developed, in segment 5, cylindrical, muscular, preceded by enlarged pharyngeal, soft structure in segment 4. Septa: 4/5–5/6 thin, 6/7–14/15 thickened, increasing in thickness to 10/11, then decreasing; other septa thin. Intestine: commences in 16. Lateral hearts: four pairs, last pair in 12. Nephridia: elongated, coiled loops without terminal vesicles, anteriorly large, posteriorly smaller. Ovaries: in 13, covered by thick body­wall tissues. Testes and spermiductal funnels: spermiductal funnels free, small, iridescent, ventrally in segment 10. Vasa deferentia : observed only in 10 and 11, posteriorly covered by thick tissues of body wall; ectal parts not observed, and connection with male pores not confirmed. Seminal vesicles: two pairs, differing in shape and size; anterior pair in 9, minute, closely attached medially to septum 9/10; in 11 moderate, lobulate, dorso­lateral. Spermathecae ( Fig. 1): in 8, moderate in size; ampulla elongated, initially closely attached to cuplike unilobate diverticulum, extending into oval bladder, connected with ectal part of duct in intersegmental furrow 7/8; shape of contracted spermatheca slightly resembles an acorn. Prostates ( Fig. 2): one pair, well developed. Prostatic gland long, multi­folded, coiled and looped, passing irregularly backwards and forwards through segments 17–21; thin septa of those segments partly pierced, possibly by prostatic gland. Prostatic duct, much thinner than prostatic gland, muscular, double curved, attached with prostatic gland laterally in middle of 19, entering into prostatic pores in 19. Penial setae ( Figs 2, 3): large, curved, not ornamented, ends slightly broadened and sharpened. Penial setal retractor muscles: originate from body wall near septum 20/21.

Biological notes and distribution: The holotype was collected during early winter in the Giant’s Castle Game Reserve, in Drakensberg foothills. The whole reserve has been for nearly 100 years under environmental protection, presently by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Iridescent spermiductal funnels indicate maturity. Associated with the microchaetid Proandricus amphius Plisko, 2003 .

Discussion: U. adriani agrees with earlier proposed generic definitions ( Ude 1905; Michaelsen 1910; Pickford 1937). It is most similar to U. montanus , having prostatic pores in segment 19, male pores in 18 probably being fused with prostatic pores, and last pair of lateral hearts in segment 12. It differs in its general appearance, pigmentation, size, commencement of intestine, and shape of spermathecae. U. montanus is known from Langeberg mountain range in Western Cape, and Pickford (1937) noted its similarity to U. kinbergi . However, it is difficult to establish relationships between these species, because differences in other characters are evident.