Amynthas robustus (Perrier, 1872)

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-

4. Amynthas robustus (Perrier, 1872)

1872. Perichaeta robusta Perrier, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris , 9: 112.

Materials examined: 1 ex. Regn. No. IV /ANN/NERC-67. India, Meghalaya, WKH District, Mawthadraishan range, Domkseh, N 25 o 31’58.4”; E 91 o 27’42.8”; Alt. 1855m, 25.vi.2010, coll I.J.Kharkongor and party.

Diagnosis: Length 113-244 mm. Segments 71-138. Prostomium epilobic. Perichaetine. First dorsal pore in 11/12. Spermathecal pores two pairs in 7/8/9, ventrolaterally placed. Clitellum 14-16, annular, without setae or dorsal pores. Genital papillae paired and pre-setal in 8 and 9. Female pore single and mid-ventral in 14. Male pores paired in 18, on a raised papillae with one or more similar papillae around it, and the whole surrounded by circular lines or folds. Additionally, two smaller papillae present mid-ventrally in 18.

Septa 8/9/10 lacking. Gizzard in 8 and 9. Intestine from 15, caeca in 27. Spermathecae two pairs in 8 and 9. Ovaries paired in 13. Testis sacs paired in 10 and 11. Seminal vesicle paired in 11 and 12.

Distribution: INDIA: Meghalaya (WKHD). Elsewhere: China, India, Japan, Korea, Mauritius, Myanmar, Philippines and Taiwan.

Remarks: This peregrine species is, herein, recorded for the first time from Meghalaya. Unlike the previous members of the genus, this species is more robust. It is found on the surface of soils saturated with water and having a layer of decaying vegetable matter. As such, it may be classed as an epigeic species.