Integrative taxonomy uncovers four novel species of Drawida Michaelsen, 1900 (Clitellata: Moniligastridae) revealing untapped earthworm diversity in India.

BACKGROUND

The earthworm fauna of India remains inadequately documented, despite its pivotal ecological importance, and there is a pressing need to address this gap. Recognizing this lack of comprehensive documentation, the present study was undertaken to explore and characterize the diversity in previously under-surveyed regions. During systematic surveys in Madhya Pradesh (Central India) and Manipur (North-Eastern India), four novel species of the genus Drawida Michaelsen, 1900 were discovered: D. gouri Tiwari & Yadav sp. nov., D. heingangensis Tiwari & Yadav sp. nov., D. leibiensis Tiwari & Yadav sp. nov., and D. laichingensis Tiwari & Yadav sp. nov.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Specimens were collected from diverse habitats in Madhya Pradesh and Manipur, including the campus of Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, paddy fields along the Imphal River, and the Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary. Detailed morphological analyses focused on pigmentation patterns, genital marking glands, and spermathecal structures. Mitochondrial Cytochrome COxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding was employed to validate species boundaries and confirm their taxonomic distinctness.

CONCLUSION

D. gouri belongs to the primitive willsi species group, characterized by distinct pigmentation and prostate-like genital marking glands. D. heingangensis is assigned to the glandless group and possesses a thin-walled sac formed by the ental part of the spermathecal atria. D. leibiensis and D. laichingensis, also members of the glandless group, exhibit digitiform spermathecal atria. These findings reveal the considerable yet under-documented diversity of India's earthworm fauna and highlight the urgent need for intensified surveys employing integrative taxonomic approaches.