Diversity and distribution of Aptodrilus, Glossodrilus, Onoreodrilus and Righiodrilus (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbricina, Glossoscolecidae) in South America

Abstract

A catalogue of 87 species and subspecies of terrestrial megadrile Glossoscolecidae from South America, belonging to Aptodrilus (11 taxa), Glossodrilus (48 taxa), Onoreodrilus (5 taxa), and Righiodrilus (23 taxa), is presented. Gilberto Righi described 39 of these taxa, predominantly from Brazil, while Andras Zicsi described another 34 taxa, mainly from Ecuador. These genera represent tropical groups of South American endemic species, with the exception of only two species (Glossodrilus nemoralis and G. peregrinus), also found in Central America and the Caribbean. Full synonyms and detailed South American occurrences are provided.