Pontoscolex
Pontoscolex corethrurus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Annelida
Class:
Clitellata
Subclass:
Oligochaeta
Order:
Haplotaxida
Suborder:
Lumbricina
Family:
Glossoscolecidae
Genus:
Pontoscolex

Schmarda, 1861
Species

See text

Pontoscolex is a genus of earthworms in the family Glossoscolecidae,[1][2] or alternatively, in the family Rhinodrilidae.[3]

General characteristics

The type species Pontoscolex corethrurus has a circumtropical distribution,[4] although it originates in the Neotropics, probably in the Guiana Plateau.[2] It reproduces parthenogenetically, and under experimental conditions can complete its life cycle in about one year. Adults measure 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) in length.[2]

Diagnostic characteristics

There are eight setae per segment, arranged in regular rows, at least in the anterior part of the animal, whereas in the posterior part the arrangement varies (regular, more or less irregular, or in quincunx). No pigment is usually present. Male pores and tubercula pubertatis are in the clitellar region. The gizzard is in the segment VI. Three pairs of calciferous glands of tubular-dichotomous (panicled) structure are in the segments VII–IX. Dorsal, ventral, supra- and subesophageal and subneural vessels are present. Lateral hearts are located in the segments VII–IX and intestinal hearts in the segments X and XI. The holonephridia have terminal sphincter. They are metandric and metagynous. The seminal vesicles are usually long and band-like, piercing a number of septa. Spermathecae are simple.[5]

Species

References

  1. ^ "Pontoscolex Schmarda, 1861". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Buch, Andressa Cristhy; et al. (2011). "Life cycle of Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) in tropical artificial soil". Pedobiologia. 54: S19–S25. doi:10.1016/j.pedobi.2011.07.007.
  3. ^ "Pontoscolex Schmarda, 1861". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  4. ^ Marichal, Raphael; et al. (2010). "Invasion of Pontoscolex corethrurus (Glossoscolecidae, Oligochaeta) in landscapes of the Amazonian deforestation arc" (PDF). Applied Soil Ecology. 46 (3): 443–449. doi:10.1016/j.apsoil.2010.09.001.
  5. ^ Righi, G. (1984). "Pontoscolex (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae), a new evaluation". Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment. 19 (3): 159–177. doi:10.1080/01650528409360653.
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