Enchytraeidae (Annelida: Oligochaeta) from the North-Western Caucasus, Russia, with the Description of <i>Fridericia gongalskyi</i> sp. nov.

Abstract

The first list of terrestrial enchytraeids of the north-western Caucasus includes 24 species belonging to seven genera. A new enchytraeid species of the genus Fridericia, Fridericia gongalskyi sp. nov., is described. It clearly differs from other species of the genus by the presence of only three pairs of preclitellar nephridia, the postclitellar position of the chylus cells and two elongated spermathecal diverticula. The phylogenetic relations of the new species within the genus are discussed.

Keywords

• soil fauna
• potworms
• taxonomy
• soil biodiversity
• soil mesofauna
• North Caucasus