Abstract
The microchaetid species with spermathecal pores anterior to the testicular segment, intrasegmental or intersegmental, in 8/9, 9, or 9/10 and 10/11, were studied, These characters were observed in species of three genera: in proandric Proandricus (8 spp.), and holandric Geogenia (3 spp.) and Tritogenia (1 sp.). Some irregularities in setal arrangement, seldom observed in South African microchaetids but occurring in these proandric species, are considered in the lesothoensis species-group, Unusual for the South African microchaetids, although known in the South American glosscoscolecids, the locations of the spermathecae and their pores, a discrepancy in the arrangement of setae, and the species' geographical distribution all suggest a relationship with the Glossoscolecidae and a presumed Gondwanan origin. The distribution of the species in Gondwana ancestral to the Drakensberg is discussed. Two holandric species with spermathecae and their pores in the testicular and post-testicular segments are compared.
Highlights
The post-testicular location of the spermathecal pores is one of the taxonomic characters distinguishing the South African Microchaetidae from the Glossoscolecidae
In several species presently accredited to the Microchaetidae and characterized by a complex of the microchaetid features, the spermathecae and their pores have been observed anterior to the testicular segment in addition to the pair located in the testicular segment
Viz. Proandricus lesothoensis (Reinecke & Ryke, 1969); P. pajori Plisko, 1993; P. bourqini Plisko, 1996; P. sani Plisko, 2002; P. adami Plisko, 2003; P. amphius Plisko, 2003; and P. oresbiosus Plisko, 2003, during dorsal longitudinal dissections the spermathecae were noted in pre-testicular segment 9 and in testicular segment 10, with their pores located intrasegmentally or intersegmentally anterior to the testicular segment
Summary
This status has been accepted by the majority of researchers (Michaelsen 1900, 1918, 1928; Stephenson 1930; Gates 1959; Sims 1982; Omodeo 1956, 1998, 2000; Plisko 1996, 2006a, b). Considering the occurrence of these features, unusual for microchaetids, the seven species were distinguished and grouped in the lesothoensis species-group, designated by Plisko (1996, 2003, in press) It is known from the description of Proandricus timmianus (Michaelsen, 1933) that during external specimen observation the spermathecal pores were found in post-testicular intersegmental furrows 11/12, 12/13, 13/14; on the histological slides obtained from one individual, some rudimentary http://www.africaninvertebrates.org.za
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
