An Update of Species in the Metaphire Genus along with Metaphire Inclara (Gates, 1932) (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae): A New Record in India

This study was conducted to contribute to the understanding of Asian biodiversity in terms of earthworms. Specimens were collected from the soil, fixed in 5% formalin, transferred to ethanol for preservation, and examined using a stereomicroscope with taxonomic characteristics. This study presents the initial documentation of Metaphire inclara (Gates, 1932) in India. This increased the number of species in the genus of Metaphire from 11 to 12 for India. As updated, the species in the genus of Metaphire in India are Metaphire andamanensis (Michaelsen, 1907), Metaphire anomala (Michaelsen, 1907), Metaphire bahli (Gates, 1945), Metaphire birmanica (Rosa, 1888), Metaphire californica (Kinberg, 1867), Metaphire harrietensis (Stephenson, 1925), Metaphire houlleti (Perrier, 1872), Metaphire peguana (Rosa, 1890), Metaphire planata (Gates, 1926), Metaphire posthuma (Vaillant, 1868), and Metaphire scitula (Gates, 1936). We offer a concise description, distribution data, an identification key, and a comprehensive species list for the taxa under investigation.

Keywords: Earthworms, India, Metaphire, new record, taxonomy