Current distribution of the invasive earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) after a century of its first report from Kerala state, India

Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) is an important peregrine earthworm species in the humid tropics and is found in land disturbed by human activities. Its presence in Kerala state was first reported by Michaelsen in 1910. So far the occurrence of 14 exotic earthworm species has been reported from Kerala state. However present distribution status of any of these exotic species is not yet thoroughly studied. Now P. corethrurus is naturalized in forests, degraded areas, and agro-ecosystems from the higher altitude areas to the coastal zones. Here, the current distribution pattern of P. corethrurus in the state after a period of 100 years is highlighted.