Calciferous Glands Research Articles

Two new species of the genus Megascolex Templeton, 1844 (Clitellata, Megascolecidae) from the Eastern Ghats of Odisha state, India

Two new earthworm species of Megascolex Templeton, 1844, M. quadripapillatus Narayanan & Paliwal, sp. nov. and M. jeyporeghatiensis Narayanan & Paliwal, sp. nov. are described from the under-explored Eastern Ghats Hills of Odisha state in Peninsular India. They belong to a group of species characterized by two pairs of spermathecal pores in intersegmental furrows 7/8/9, holandric, seminal vesicles in segments 9 and 12, absence of penial setae and calciferous glands. Megascolex ratus Cognetti, 1911, M. pumilio Stephenson, 1916 and the two new species described here are the members of this group. Megascolex quadripapillatus sp. nov. and M. jeyporeghatiensis sp. nov. occur in deciduous forests with brownish gravel-loamy soils. Here we provide the detailed description of the external and internal characteristics of the new species along with the illustrations of the key characters. With the new findings, the range of Megascolex genus has been extended further north in the less explored Eastern Ghats Hills of India. With this discovery, the total number of Megascolex species has increased to 70, of which 34 are found in India.

Additions to earthworms (Annelida, Crassiclitellata) from Aragua and Miranda states, Venezuela

Two new species of the earthworm genus Pontoscolex found in San Casimiro County, northern Venezuela are described. Because of some morphological variability, and to improve the previous description, we redescribe Onychochaeta windlei and Rhinodrilus fuenzalidae collected at La Cortada settlement, Miranda state. Pontoscolex (Mesoscolex) juanae sp. n. and Pontoscolex (Nulloscolex) hugoi subgen. n., sp. n have three pairs of tiny calciferous glands in 7th to 9th segments, with a simple tubular structure similar to that of the genus Onychochaeta; however, testes and funnels are enclosed in sacs in the 11th segment similar to the Pontoscolex. We also report the occurrences of Pontoscolex (Pontoscolex) corethrurus Müller, 1857, Metaphire houlleti (Perrier, 1872), Perionyx excavatus Perrier, 1872, Dichogaster bolaui (Michaelsen, 1891), and Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826).

Three new Glossoscolex (Annelida: Crassiclitellata: Glossoscolecidae) in the truncatus group from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Three new earthworm species of Glossoscolex (Glossoscolex) in the truncatus species group (intra-clitellar male pores on segment 17) are described: Glossoscolex araucariaensis sp. nov., Glossoscolex cardosoi sp. nov., and Glossoscolex santarosaensis sp. nov. from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The three earthworm species were distinguished based on the shape and position of the copulatory pouches (all species), the shape of the calciferous glands (G. santarosaensis) and by the presence of tubercula pubertatis and seminal vesicles restricted to segment 12 (G. cardosoi). All are endogeic, unpigmented and were found in low abundances in the topsoil (0-20 cm depth) of Araucaria forest and plantations, a lowland grass pasture and a shrubby grassland, respectively, and are known only from their type-localities. A table containing some of the main internal and external morphological characteristics of the 29 species/subspecies of the Glossoscolex truncatus group is provided in order to assist comparisons within species. Glossoscolex grandis ibirai Righi, 1971 is raised to species rank due to longer extent of clitellum and presence of genital markings, compared to Glossoscolex grandis (Michaelsen, 1892); furthermore, a new subgroup (matogrossensis) of Glossoscolex (Glossoscolex) is proposed to accomodate G. matogrossensis Righi, 1984, with intraclitellar male pores in 15/16. Some considerations on the ecological and taxonomic affinities within the truncatus group are presented, but further studies, particularly genetic are needed in order to better assess phylogenetic relationships within Glossoscolex (Glossoscolex) species groups.

New Ocnerodrilidae genera, species and records from Brazil (Annelida: Crassiclitellata).

We describe three new species of Eukerria, six of Kerriona, one of Ocnerodrilus and two of Belladrilus (Clitellata: Ocnerodrilidae) from Brazil, mostly from wet habitats including bromeliad leaf axils, plus some from forest soils in Bahia state. We also provide new morphological and distribution data on Kerriona luederwaldti Michaelsen, 1924. We describe the new genus Pauqueba and its two new species, both from bromeliad leaf axils and forest floor litter in the state of Bahia. It has two pairs of calciferous glands, the balantine reduction of the male terminalia but spermathecae in ix, and no gizzard. The new genus Parabauba found in deeper (30 cm) soil layers is distinctive for the combination of two pairs of calciferous glands, a large gizzard in v, acanthodriline male terminalia, and no typholosole. The new genus Diplomoela from a mesic soil in Bahia is meronephric, unusually large for the Ocnerodrilidae, and has two well-developed gizzards.

On the Anatomy and Histology of the New Earthworm (Diplocaedi communis)

Vasa deferentia opening to the exterior behind the clitellus by two apertures on the ventral side of somite 19. Two copulatory fossae extend from the middle of the ventral side of somite 18 to the middle of the ventral side of somite 20, each fossa with a pair of long, curved setee and an outlet of a prostate gland at its extremities. Internal apertures of the vasa deferentia two pairs; one pair in each of the somites 10 and 11. Seminal vesicles in somites 9, 10, and 11. Testes in somite 12. Spermathecae in three pairs, one pair in each of the somites 7, 8, and 9. Ovaries flabelliforra, situated in somite 13. Internal apertures of oviducts in somite 13; external apertures in somite 14. Setae arranged in four double longitudinal series on the ventral side of the body, each somite bearing four pairs. (Esophagus very short, without calciferous glands. A muscular gizzard in somites 6 and 7. Typhlosole a very slight dorsal fold. Dorsal vessel double, consisting of two tubes fused only at the dissepiments. No subneural blood vessel present. Nephridia tubular, with the nephridiopores in line with the dorsal setse of the external pairs; internal aperture in the somite preceding that in which the gland lies. Brain small, transversely elongated, with slight median anterior and posterior excisions. Praestomium not completely dividing the integument of the first somite.

Brasilisia n. gen. and Arraia n. gen., two new genera of Ocnerodrilidae (Annelida, Clitellata, Oligochaeta) from Eastern Amazonia, Brazil.

We describe two new species from two new genera of Ocnerodrilidae from Alcântara and Rosário counties of Maranhão, Brazil. They were collected in very sandy soil in the transition between the Amazonia and Cerrado biomes. One of the species, Brasilisia punki n. sp., is the first report of earthworms of this family with an unusual pattern of genital markings and a gizzard in segment five. The other species Arraia nelmae n. sp. has a gizzard in segment six and a pair of calciferous glands in nine. We also provide an updated key for all genera of Ocnerodrilidae.

Four new earthworm species of Kazimierzus Plisko, 2006 (Clitellata, Kazimierzidae).

Four new species of Kazimierzus are described from the Western Cape and Northern Cape, South Africa: K. kleinoodi sp. n., K. nietvoorbiji sp. n., K. nieuwoudtvillensis sp. n., and K. phumlani sp. n. Kazimierzus kleinoodi is distinguished from the other species of this genus by the position of the calciferous glands in 9 and paired spermathecae in five segments. The position of the spermathecae in 11/12-15/16 as well as the position of the calciferous glands in 11 separates K. nietvoorbiji from the other new species. Kazimierzus nieuwoudtvillensis is distinguished from the others by the position of the clitellum (12-25) and spermathecae in four rows. The combination of the position of the clitellum, three rows of spermathecae and the position of the calciferous glands in 10 distinguish K. phumlani from the other species.

Carbon isotope fractionation between amorphous calcium carbonate and calcite in earthworm-produced calcium carbonate

In this study we investigate carbon isotope fractionation during the crystallization of biogenic calcium carbonate. Several species of earthworm including Lumbricus terrestris secrete CaCO3. Initially a milky fluid comprising micro-spherules of amorphous CaCO3 (ACC) is secreted into pouches of the earthworm calciferous gland. The micro-spherules coalesce and crystalize to form millimetre scale granules, largely comprising calcite. These are secreted into the earthworm intestine and from there into the soil. L. terrestris were cultured for 28 days in two different soils, moistened with three different mineral waters at 10, 16 and 20 °C. The milky fluid in the calciferous glands, granules in the pouches of the calciferous glands and granules excreted into the soil were collected and analysed by FTIR spectroscopy to determine the form of CaCO3 present and by IRMS to determine δ13C values. The milky fluid was ACC. Granules removed from the pouches and soil were largely calcite; the granules removed from the pouches contained more residual ACC than those recovered from the soil. The δ13C values of milky fluid and pouch granules became significantly more negative with increasing temperature (p ≤ 0.001). For samples from each temperature treatment, δ13C values became significantly (p ≤ 0.001) more negative from the milky fluid to the pouch granules to the soil granules (−13.77, −14.69 and −15.00 respectively at 10 °C; −14.37, −15.07 and −15.18 respectively at 16 °C and −14.89, −15.41 and −15.65 respectively at 20 °C). Fractionation of C isotopes occurred as the ACC recrystallized to form calcite with the fractionation factor εcalcite-ACC = −1.20 ± 0.52‰. This is consistent with the crystallization involving dissolution and reprecipitation rather than a solid state rearrangement. Although C isotopic fractionation has previously been described between different species of dissolved inorganic carbon and various CaCO3 polymorphs, this is the first documented evidence for C isotope fractionation between ACC and the calcite it recrystallizes to. This phenomenon may prove important for the interpretation of CaCO3-based C isotope environmental proxies.

FOUR NEW EARTHWORM GENERA (ANNELIDA: OLIGOCHAETA) FROM NIGERIA

The taxonomy of earthworms in Nigeria has been mainly on the family Eudrilidae. The present work describes four new earthworm genera belonging to earthworm families other than the Eudrilidae. Earthworm samples were collected using the digging and hand-sorting method. The earthworms are preserved in formoacetic alcohol. The four taxa described here include Imekodrilus hexagastricus (family Moniligastridae), Adodrilus stephana (family Megascolecidae), Parnematogenia eyinwaensis and Ekitidrilus alabataensis(family Ocnerodrilidae). Imekodrilus hexagastricus from Imeko, Ogun State has six gizzards, characteristic of members of the family Moniligastridae. The genus Adodrilus is compared with 3 earthworm genera, Diporochaeta, Plutellus and Perionyx. The genus and species lacks gizzards. The calciferous glands (a pair) are present, with left and right united in segment X. Four individuals of P. eyinwaensis were collected from Eyinwa, Odogbolu Local Government Area of OgunState. The species is here described as having same position and number of calciferous glands, testes and male pores as the genus Nematogenia. Also described here is E. alabataensis, which was collected from both Ado-Ekiti and Alabata, south west Nigeria. These four genera and species are here presented as new taxa of earthworms from southwest Nigeria.ª¤?

Longitudinal in vivo MR imaging of live earthworms.

Earthworm (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) species are used widely in eco-toxicological tests especially with contaminated soils. These long-term tests are reliable, but a high sample size is needed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can produce fast, robust, sensitive, and longitudinal morphological results using a small sample size. Performing longitudinal in vivo examinations of earthworms using MRI requires the need for anesthetics to completely avoid earthworm's moving. Our goal was to develop a simple and non-invasive method to anesthetize earthworms for in vivo longitudinal imaging studies. We investigated a number of different anesthesia methods and found that propan-2-ol and its vapor was optimal. We used a commercial sequential nanoScan® PET/MRI system (Mediso Ltd, Hungary, Budapest) to explore feasibility of MR imaging in immobilized earthworms. It was possible to visualize via micro MRI the brain, gastrointestinal tract, seminal vesicles, calciferous gland (Morren gland), and main blood vessels of the circulatory system. Our findings show the possibilities to examine changes in morphology using MRI of certain organs using a reversible, long-term immobilization method.

Impact of earthworm casts on soil pH and calcium carbonate in black truffle burns

Granules of calcium carbonate are known to be produced by the calciferous glands of earthworms, and may have a measurable impact on the soil; however, little is known of their dynamics. Earthworms are often found in Tuber melanosporum burns, and this truffle is closely linked to calcium carbonate and soil pH. The present work shows that in weakly calcareous soil burns with high earthworm (Prosellodrilus sp.) activity, earthworm casts showed a significant increase of 0.2 units of pH and 66 % more total calcium carbonate than soils in the burns, although the casts were produced from these same soils. Analysis of the soil carbonate fractions (active carbonate versus calcium carbonate greater than 50 μm in size) showed that the origin of the increase in the total calcium carbonate content of the Prosellodrilus sp. casts cannot be explained by the levels of original carbonate existing in the soils in the study, although it can be explained by the synthesis of calcite granules by earthworms. These results obtained in the field with Prosellodrilus sp. confirm Canti’s (2009) experiments in the laboratory using δ13C concerning the synthesis of calcite granules by Lumbricus terrestris. Both these results and other works indicate that production of calcite granules by Prosellodrilus sp., L. terrestris, Aporrectodea longa, A. trapezoides and Anisochaetae sp. has the ability to increase soil pH and calcium carbonate; additionally Lambkin et al. (2011) have found that higher soil pH and carbonates can cause an increase in the production of calcite granules by L. terrestris. All these results, therefore, point to a feedback process, scope of which is a function of the different soil types and earthworm species. In summary, different earthworm species may have a significant and positive impact on soil pH and net recarbonation of T. melanosporum burns, and the importance of both soil properties justifies the development of further experiments aimed at incorporating vermiculture into the truffle cultivations.

Experiments on the origin of 13C in the calcium carbonate granules produced by the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris

Granules of calcium carbonate up to 2.5 mm in size have been found in archaeological soils and sediments for many years. Recent work has shown conclusively that these granules are derived from the calciferous glands of earthworms and most commonly (in Northern European soils) from Lumbricus terrestris. Valuable pedological and archaeological information could be obtained from a radiocarbon date if the 14C in the granule carbonate reflects the true age of formation. Preliminary information on the possible sources of carbon in the granule calcite was obtained by a series of simple experiments growing worms in artificial substrates made up of materials with marked differences in δ 13C. The results showed that carbon in the granule calcite comes from the dietary inputs, but may be coming partly from atmospheric CO 2 and also partly from old soil carbon. Little appears to come from the soil calcium carbonate. Most of the results imply that a fractionation of around +12‰ is occurring between the carbon ingested by the worm and the carbon output in the granules. This is comparable to (but slightly higher than) the widely quoted non-biological value (ca. +10‰) of total kinetic fractionation between CO 2–CaCO 3.

Ultrastructure of the earthworm calciferous gland. A preliminary study

AbstractThe earthworm species belonging to the Lumbricidae family (Annelida, Oligochaeta) posses a complex oesophageal organ known as “calciferous gland” which secretes a concentrated suspension of calcium carbonate. Previous studies have demonstrated the non-crystalline structure of this calcareous fluid representing an interesting example of biomineralisation.

Andiorrhinus meansi sp.n., a new giant earthworm from the Wokomung Massif, Guyana (Clitellata: Glossoscolecidae)

A new species of Andiorrhinus Cognetti, Andiorrhinus meansi sp. n. from the Wokomung Massif, an isolated sandstone tepui in the Guyanan interior, in cloud forest with a thick organic soil, is described and named for its collector, D. B. Means. This giant earthworm with last hearts in the 11 th segment is placed in the subgenus A. (Turedrilus) Righi, but is not otherwise morphologically similar to other members of the subgenus. It differs in the numbers and locations of spermathecae, the form of the calciferous glands, and body size. In consideration of the morphology of the newly described species and after reviewing the majority of Andiorrhinus species, it is proposed to abandon the subgenera within Andiorrhinus pending more detailed study and a revision of the genus.

Amorphous calcium carbonate biomineralization in the earthworm’s calciferous gland: Pathways to the formation of crystalline phases

In this study, we investigated the microstructural transformations that take place during carbonate formation in the earthworm's calciferous gland by analysing the evolution from the precursor fluid of the solid phases (spherulites) to the final carbonate concretions released by the gland. Results from HREM and electron diffraction showed that the spherulithic deposits merely consisted of ACC partially transformed to vaterite. Furthermore, comparisons of the diffraction spectra and microstructural analyses allowed the identification of the transition sequences to more stable carbonates. And thus, transformations of ACC to calcite were observed on the surfaces of these amorphous globular aggregates as their smooth characteristic surface became rougher with time. This transition path was not unique, and the presence of aragonite, as an intermediate phase, has also been found. In this particular case, the transition process followed a completely different pathway with the crystallization starting in the centre of the sphere and progressively extending to the periphery, leading to the formation of radial aggregates. In situ experiments performed on the freshly extracted precursor fluid and analysed by FT-IR spectroscopy showed that ACC is the main constituent and is probably stabilised by macromolecules such as proteins and sugars. Furthermore, the Debye-Scherrer diffraction experiments showed that the carbonate phase present in this fluid remains stable as ACC for more than a week. All these features are indicative of this entire process being biologically controlled by the earthworms. The analysis of the amorphous structure factor of this ACC indicates that these transformations are preceded by short-range order modifications of the amorphous precursor phase.

Biological control over the formation and storage of amorphous calcium carbonate by earthworms

AbstractThe earthworm calciferous gland produces a concentrated suspension of calcium carbonate and in certain species precipitates as concretions of CaCO3, which then enter the soil. Here we investigated the initial stages of CaCO3 formation in the earthworm Lumbricus friendi by means of Fourier transform infrared and electron microscopy techniques (field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high resolution electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction). In addition, comparisons between the IR spectra of the water-dissolved carbonic anhydrase (CA) and the glandular secretion (‘milky fluid’) were performed in order to investigate the mechanisms involved in CaCO3 precipitation. Our results strongly suggest that carbonation starts with the dissolved CO2, which is transformed via deprotonation to HCO3-, then to CO32- and finally to amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). While ACC stabilization takes place under the biological control, further transformation stages leading to calcite concretions seem to be inorganically driven by an Ostwald ripening process.

Earthworms produce granules of intricately zoned calcite

Research Article| December 01, 2008 Earthworms produce granules of intricately zoned calcite Martin R. Lee; Martin R. Lee 11Department of Geographical and Earth Sciences, Gregory Building, Lilybank Gardens, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mark E. Hodson; Mark E. Hodson * 22Department of Soil Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DW, UK *E-mail: m.e.hodson@reading.ac.uk Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Graham Langworthy Graham Langworthy 22Department of Soil Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6DW, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2008) 36 (12): 943–946. https://doi.org/10.1130/G25106A.1 Article history received: 28 May 2008 rev-recd: 07 Aug 2008 accepted: 18 Aug 2008 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Martin R. Lee, Mark E. Hodson, Graham Langworthy; Earthworms produce granules of intricately zoned calcite. Geology 2008;; 36 (12): 943–946. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G25106A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Earthworms of the family Lumbricidae, which includes many common species, produce and secrete up to millimeter-sized calcite granules, and the intricate fine-scale zoning of their constituent crystals is unique for a biomineral. Granule calcite is produced by crystallization of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) that initially precipitates within the earthworm calciferous glands, then forms protogranules by accretion on quartz grain cores. Crystallization of ACC is mediated by migrating fluid films and is largely complete within 24 h of ACC production and before granules leave the earthworm. Variations in the density of defects formed as a byproduct of trace element incorporation during calcite crystal growth have generated zoning that can be resolved by cathodoluminescence imaging at ultraviolet to blue wavelengths and using the novel technique of scanning electron microscope charge contrast imaging. Mapping of calcite crystal orientations by electron backscatter diffraction reveals an approximate radial fabric to the granules that reflects crystal growth from internal nucleation sites toward their margins. The survival within granules of ACC inclusions for months after they enter soils indicates that they crystallize only within the earthworm and in the presence of fluids containing biochemical catalysts. The earthworm probably promotes crystallization of ACC in order to prevent remobilization of the calcium carbonate by dissolution. Calcite granules vividly illustrate the role of transient precursors in biomineralization, but the underlying question of why earthworms produce granules in volumes sufficient to have a measurable impact on soil carbon cycling remains to be answered. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Stable isotopes reveal that the calciferous gland of earthworms is a CO 2-fixing organ

Since they were first described in 1829, earthworm calciferous glands have intrigued invertebrate anatomists and physiologists alike. These organs are present in all species of the family Lumbricidae, occurring in a range of morphological forms. A common feature of the glands is that constituent secretory cells produce a concentrated suspension of calcium carbonate. A number of possible biological roles have been suggested for the secretion (i.e. egg formation, pH buffering of the blood and ingested food, excretion and respiration) but the true function has not yet been demonstrated satisfactorily. Here, we investigated the putative respiratory function of these organs by exposing the worms to 13C-labelled CO 2 and glucose and measuring tracer incorporation into the body wall, the gland tissues and the calcareous secretion. Our results support the view that these organs provide a mechanism of CO 2 regulation in their tissues and that both environmental and metabolic CO 2 can be fixed in this way.

Differential metallothionein expression in earthworm ( Lumbricus rubellus) tissues

This article describes the immunoperoxidase localization of metallothionein (MT) in the major organs and tissues of the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus sampled from a mine soil heavily polluted with Pb, Zn, and Cd. The polyclonal antiserum used was raised against the MT isoform (wMT2), the molecular characteristics and focal subcellular distribution of which indicate a primary role for it in the sequestration of certain nonessential metals, such as Cd. Intense MT immunostaining was detectable in chloragogenous tissue throughout the body: around the intestine, in the typhlosolar infolding, around blood vessels anterior and posterior to the crop/gizzard, and around the calciferous gland. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis of neutral red-labeled vesicular structures in the chloragogenous tissue indicated that this acidic compartment, probably lysosomal, yielded the strong Cd and S signals associated with Cd-MT. MT expression was also detected in the apical cytoplasm of intestinal epithelial cells; in coelomocytes contiguous with chloragocytes attached to the gut; within the narrow tubular region of nephridia, in the secretory epithelia of the calciferous gland, but not anywhere in the body wall. We concluded that (a) the main route of Cd uptake is probably via absorptive alimentary surfaces, and not across the external epidermal layer; (b) nephridia are involved with Cd excretion and/or are a major target of Cd-induced pathological damage; (c) tentatively, a combination of immunohistochemistry and proton-induced X-ray emission analysis indicated that the calciferous gland is probably not a major “heavy metal” excretory route.

Native earthworms (Oligochaeta) from southeastern Australia, with the description of fifteen new species

This paper describes 15 new and five known endemic earthworm species, and provides keys to New South Wales genera. Two new species of Plutellus require expansion of the generic diagnosis to allow species with short stalks to the calciferous glands (always subordinate to the plesiomorphic tubular prostates that characterise this genus and distinguish it from Heteroporodrilus). For Vesiculodrilus, the nominal type species of the genus, V. frenchi (Spencer, 1892), is redescribed and figured on a neotype. Nephridial vesicles, essential for inclusion in Vesiculodrilus, are newly reported in V. frenchi. Two new species from Mt Kosciuszko are added to this genus. Syntypes of Heteroporodrilus canaliculatus (Fletcher, 1889) and H. mediterreus (Fletcher, 1887b) are rediscovered, lectotypes are designated, and these species are redescribed. Six new species are added to Heteroporodrilus requiring the generic diagnosis to be amended to accept calciferous glands that are stalked, sessile, or annular. Intermittent nephropore alternation to mid-setal lines, once thought diagnostic only of H. shephardi (Spencer, 1900), is reported in several other species. The close affinities amongst heteroporodrilids widely distributed in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia is accounted for by fluvial transport along the river systems such as the Murray-Darling. New material of Cryptodrilus fastigatus Fletcher, 1889 is described and a congeneric species proposed, allowing explanation of the intraspecific variation in their male fields: The pore-like genital markings are actually modified nephropores that function for excretion, rather than copulation. One species of Megascolides from Bago-Maragle State Forest is newly described; variation in forms of tubular prostates is briefly considered in remarks following this species' description. Two new species are added to Notoscolex, and one new species to Digaster.