The complete mitochondrial genome of the Korean endemic earthworm Amynthas deogyusanensis (Clitellata: Megascolecidae)

The Korean endemic earthworm Amynthas deogyusanensis Hong and James, 2001 (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) is found in the forest area of Deogyu Mountain, South Korea. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of A. deogyusanensis was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The mitogenome of A. deogyusanensis is a circular DNA molecule, consisting of 15,257 bp with an A + T content of 67.9%. It contains 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and one non-coding region (control region). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the family Megascolecidae is a monophyletic group with full support, whereas the genus Amynthas is non-monophyletic with the genera Metaphire and Duplodicodrilus.

Diversity and Abundance of Delineated Earthworm (Annelida: Clitellata) in Pakistan: A Review

Earthworm, a ubiquitous (but neglected) macro-invertebrate, is found in terrestrial vicinity of Pakistan. Moreover, the occurrence of earthworms is often diverse with fluctuating quantity depending upon abiotic factors and land usage patterns. The aim of this study was to summarize all the reported information related to earthworm diversity in different areas of Pakistan. Almost all the data published from year 2001 to 2021 were collected. Following data organization, total 42 earthworm's species including five families (Acanthodrilidae, Lumbricidae, Moniligastridae, Octochaetidae and Megascolecidae) were reported from various researchers. Among five families, family Acanthodrilidae was found to have only one specie (Ramiella bishambari), Lumbricidae consist of 10 species (Apporactodea rosea, Allolobophora trapezoids, Allolobophora chloroticaa, Aporrectodea longa, A. caliginosa, Bimastus parvus, Eisenia fetida, Helodrilus foetidus, Lumbricus terrestris and L. rubillus), Moniligastridae has two species (Drawida nepalensis and D. pellucida) while Octochaetidae possess only one specie (Eutyphoeus incommodus). The most abundant and diverse family Megascolecidae consist of 28 earthworm species in all habitats of different regions of Pakistan. Among geographical areas, Faisalabad was found as the richest territory with most reported earthworm species (i.e. 28). The current study suggests further in depth research to explore the unidentified and/ missing species of earthworms in Pakistan.

Ecology and management of earthworm casting on sports turf

Earthworm activity is beneficial in most natural and agricultural systems, but excessive earthworm casting is a problem on sports fields worldwide. Expulsion of soil-rich earthworm fecal matter, or casts, as mounds of soil on the turf canopy can muddy the surface, reduce photosynthesis, and lead to thinning, weed invasion and surface softening. Casts affect ball roll on sports fields, cause fouling of maintenance equipment, and dull mower blades. Build-up of cast material on reel mower units can affect height and quality of cut. Casting activity is dependent on environmental conditions such as soil texture, temperature, moisture, pH, and organic matter. Response to environmental conditions varies by species. Management options are limited, because no pesticides are specifically labeled for earthworm control at this time, and cultural control methods such as soil modification, turfgrass clipping removal, and sand topdressing have limited and inconsistent efficacy. Products containing plant-derived saponins and irritants show promise for earthworm management. Pest management practices to mitigate excessive earthworm casting will likely need to be species-specific, but limited knowledge of earthworm identification by end-users further inhibits the efficacy of control measures. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

On the Giant Pheretimoid Earthworms From Vietnam (Clitellata: Megascolecidae), with Descriptions of Three New Species

Tung T. Nguyen, Dang H. Lam, and Anh D. Nguyen (2016) The giant earthworms from Vietnam are being reviewed to consist of six species, Amynthas dangi (Thai, 1984), A. munglonganus (Thai & Tran, 1986) comb. nov., A. ghilarovi (Thai, 1982), and three new, A. munglongoides sp. nov., A. antoanensis sp. nov. and A. konkakinh sp. nov. All six species have lengths ranging 300-680 mm, diameter ca. 16-20 mm, and without copulatory pouches. The new species, A. munglongoides sp. nov. is characterised by three pairs of spermathecal pores in intersegment 5/6/7/8, genital markings paired in vii, viii and xviii. A. antoanensis sp. nov. is distinguished by four pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6/7/8/9, genital marking paired in viii, ix, and xviii. A. konkakinh sp. nov. is recognised by four pairs of spermathecal pores in 5/6/7/8/9, genital marking single in viii, paired in xviii. In addition, a key to all six gigantic species in Vietnam is also provided.