Tiwari Nalini, Shilpi Kaushik, James Samuel W, Gupta Neelima, Yadav Shweta
Department of Zoology; Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University); Sagar 470003; Madhya Pradesh; India.
Department of Zoology; Govt. College Bandri; Sagar 470442; Madhya Pradesh; India.
Zootaxa. 2025 Feb 19;5589(1):166-189. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.14.
The systematics of pheretimoids have been hindered by limited diagnostic traits and extensive homoplasy. This study utilized an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morpho-anatomical traits and mitochondrial COI data, to delineate species and clarify phylogenetic relationships among Indian pheretimoids. Three new species of Metaphire (Megascolecidae) were identified: Metaphire manipurensis Tiwari & Yadav sp. nov., belongs to M. houlleti group with three pairs of spermathecal pores (6/7-8/9) and no post-clitellar markings; Metaphire thabiensis Tiwari & Yadav sp. nov. classified within the M. javanica group, with two pairs of spermathecal pores (7/8-8/9) and copulatory pouches lacking stalked glands and Metaphire churachandpurensis Tiwari & Yadav sp. nov., which lacks spermathecal pores but has stalked genital marking glands. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of COI data confirmed species placements with strong statistical support and validated species delineation through congruent OTUs. These findings advance phylogenetics and evolutionary trajectory of the group, though expanded COI datasets are needed for broader insights.
类远盲蚓的系统分类学一直受到有限的诊断特征和广泛的同塑性的阻碍。本研究采用综合分类学方法，结合形态解剖学特征和线粒体COI数据，来划分印度类远盲蚓的物种并阐明其系统发育关系。鉴定出了远盲蚓属（巨蚓科）的三个新物种：曼尼普尔远盲蚓Tiwari & Yadav新种，属于胡氏远盲蚓组，有三对受精囊孔（6/7 - 8/9）且无环带后标记；塔比远盲蚓Tiwari & Yadav新种，归类于爪哇远盲蚓组，有两对受精囊孔（7/8 - 8/9）且交配囊无柄腺；楚拉昌德布尔远盲蚓Tiwari & Yadav新种，没有受精囊孔但有带柄的生殖标记腺。此外，对COI数据的系统发育分析以有力的统计支持确认了物种归属，并通过一致的操作分类单元验证了物种划分。这些发现推进了该类群的系统发育学和进化轨迹，不过需要扩展COI数据集以获得更广泛的见解。
