Current distribution of the invasive earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) after a century of its first report from Kerala state, India

Abstract

Abstract. Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) is an important peregrine earthworm species in the humid tropics and is found in land disturbed by human activities. Its presence in Kerala state was first reported by Michaelsen in 1910. So far the occurrence of 14 exotic earthworm species has been reported from Kerala state. However present distribution status of any of these exotic species is not yet thoroughly studied. Now P. corethrurus is naturalized in forests, degraded areas, and agroecosystems from the higher altitude areas to the coastal zones. Here, the current distribution pattern of P. corethrurus in the state after a period of 100 years is highlighted.

First record of the exotic earthworm Metaphire bahli (Gates, 1945) (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from India

“…Occurrence of the exotic invasive species such as Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1857) and M. houlleti in Kerala State was reported around a century back (Fedarb 1898, Michaelsen 1910, Stephenson 1916, and now they are found widely colonized here (Narayanan et al 2015(Narayanan et al , 2016d. Being a cosmopolitan invasive species M. bahli could establish itself in different regions of the country with time.…”

“…At present 98 species/subspecies belonging to 27 genera and 9 families are reported from the state, of which 17 are exotic (Narayanan et al 2016a(Narayanan et al , b, c, 2017. However, the diversity and distribution pattern of alien earthworm species of Kerala State are still not fully understood (Narayanan et al 2016d). As part of our study to assess the earthworm diversity of Kerala State, we have sampled various regions of the Alappuzha District, which revealed the presence of the exotic Metaphire bahli (Gates, 1945).…”