Abstract
A new genus and species of terrestrial oligochaete, Aridulodrilus molesworthae (Megascolecidae) is described from a new species found in a semi-arid habitat in New South Wales, Australia. The location of this species provides additional evidence that localized landscape and pedologic factors have allowed isolated populations of native earthworms to persist in areas where low rainfall averages were previously thought to preclude their occurrence. The genus has a combination of morphological features that distinguish it from all other Australian genera. While it shares some features with genera in Western Australia, the wide geographic gap (some 2300 km) appears to preclude any close phylogenetic affinity with these taxa.
Highlights
Genomic studies currently support a Pangaean origin for earthworms, with vicariance into distinct Northern and Southern Hemisphere clades following its breakup (Anderson et al, 2017)
The Megascolecidae is one of the largest earthworm families in the Southern Hemisphere and the zoogeographic affinities of members of the family in disparate Gondwanan fragments (Jamieson, 1981) suggests that they have existed in Australia well before the dismemberment of that supercontinent, persisting and diversifying throughout the many subsequent climatic and geological shifts
The earliest studies of the Australian earthworm fauna were centred on New South Wales, with J
Summary
Genomic studies currently support a Pangaean origin for earthworms, with vicariance into distinct Northern and Southern Hemisphere clades following its breakup (Anderson et al, 2017). Perichaetine; setae generally follow distinct longitudinal setal lines (vide Fig. 2), but can be somewhat irregular in disposition, ranging in number from 16–20 per segment throughout.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
