Amynthas gracilis (Kinberg, 1867)

Kharkongor, Ilona J., 2018, Taxonomic and ecological studies on the earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, Records of the Zoological Survey of India 118 (1), pp. 56-56 : 56-

2. Amynthas gracilis (Kinberg, 1867)

1867. Nitocris gracilis Kinberg, Ofvers. K. Vetensk. Acad. Forth. Stockh. , 23: 112.

1891. Perichaeta hawayana Rosa, Ann. Nat. Hofmus. Wein , 6: 396.

1972. Amynthas hawayanus : Sims & Easton, Biol. J. Linn. Soc., 4 (3): 235

1982. Amynthas gracilis : Easton, Aust. J. Zool., 30: 711-735.

Materials examined: 6 ex. Regn. No. IV/ANN/NERC-08. India, Meghalaya, West Khasi Hills District, Domkseh , N 25 o 31’58.4”; E 91 o 27’42.8”; Alt. 1855m, 25.vi.2010, coll. I.J.Kharkongor and party ; 3 ex. Regn. No. IV /ANN/ NERC-16. India, Meghalaya, West Khasi Hills District, Winnia Falls area , N 25 o 26’59.0”; E 91 o 14’45.1”; Alt. 1318m, 24.vi.2010, coll. I.J.Kharkongor and party ; 3 ex. Regn. No. IV/ANN/NERC-48. India, Meghalaya, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoiñ-Markasa road, N 25 o 31’51.0”; E 91 o 22’58.5”; Alt. 1514m, 25.vi.2010, coll. I.J.Kharkongor and party ; 3 ex. Regn. No. IV /ANN/ NERC-52. India, Meghalaya, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoiñ , Siejlieh, N. 25 o 31’47.8”; E 91 o 15’13.0”; Alt. 1324m, 26.vi.2010, coll. I.J.Kharkongor and party; 2 ex. Regn. No. IV/ANN/NERC-54. India, Meghalaya, WKH District, Nongstoiñ, N. 25 o 31’47.8”; E 91 o 15’13.0”; Alt. 1324m, 26.vi.2010, coll. I.J.Kharkongor and party ; 2 ex. Regn. No. IV/ANN/NERC-56. India, Meghalaya, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoiñ-Siejlieh (stn-2), N 25 o 31’47.8”; E 91 o 15’13.0”; Alt. 1324m, 26.vi.2010, coll. I.J.Kharkongor and party .

Diagnosis: Length 56-156 mm; segments 70-101. Epilobic, tongue wide and open. Perichaetine. First dorsal pore in 10/11 or 11/12. Spermathecal pores three pairs in 5/6- 7/8. Clitellum 14-16, annular, with no setae or dorsal pores. Female pore single, mid-ventral on 14. Male pores minute, paired on 18, on small circular porophores. Genital markings small discs, paired, post-setal in some of 6-9 and slightly median to spermathecal pore lines.

Septa 8/9-9/10 aborted. Gizzard bell-shaped, in 8-10. Intestines from 15. Intestinal caeca extending forward from 27. Spermathecae a pair each in 6,7,8. Ovaries paired in 13. Testis sacs paired in 10 and 11, ventrally joined. Seminal vesicles a pair each in 11 and 12.

Distribution: INDIA: Meghalaya (JHD, EKHD), Manipur, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Elsewhere: Cosmopolitan.

Remarks: Recorded for the first time from WKHD. The species is also classified as an epi-endogeic species of earthworm as it is generally found living and feeding in the mineral soil at or below the root mat, and also on the surface where there is a rich layer of leaf litter.