Helodrilus bavaricus, a remarkable new earthworm species from Bavaria, Germany (Crassiclitellata, Lumbricidae)

Abstract

Here we report on a new Helodrilus species found in Rotthalmünster, Southern Germany. This unique new species has four pairs of spermathecae and long protruding tubercles. Besides Lumbricus badensis Michaelsen, 1907 from Schwarzwald forest, this is the second earthworm species from Germany that appears to be endemic, suggesting that the southern part of present-day Germany may represent the northern limit of the distribution of endemic earthworm species.

Keywords

• annelida
• oligochaeta
• megadrili
• endemism
• bayern