Published April 9, 2026
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Earthworm fauna of Catanduanes Island, Philippines, including descriptions of two new species of the genus Pheretima (Clitellata, Megascolecidae)
Authors/Creators
- 1. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- 2. Department of Regenerative Organic Agriculture, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, United States of America
Description
We describe new species of the genus Pheretima from Catanduanes Island, Philippines. Pheretima lapulapui sp. nov. belongs to the Pheretima sangirensis group, with one pair of spermathecal pores in 7/8. Pheretima portiae sp. nov. belongs to the Pheretima urceolata group, with one pair of spermathecal pores in 5/6. Pheretima lapulapui sp. nov. has spermathecal pores 0.19–0.24 of the circumference apart and copulatory bursae openings 0.12–0.26 of the circumference apart. The intestinal origin in XVI, the vestigial typhlosole, the presence of a septum 8/9, and wedge-shaped pads surrounding the copulatory bursal openings separate Pheretima lapulapui sp. nov. from other species. Pheretima portiae sp. nov. is distinguished by spermathecal pores 0.16 of the circumference apart, copulatory bursae openings 0.24 of the circumference apart, unpigmented segmental equators, hearts in XI–XIII, and an intestinal origin in XV. Another taxon of the urceolata group, represented by a single individual, was briefly described but not named.
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References
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