On the polythecate earthworms of the genus Metaphire (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from Vietnam, with descriptions of three new species

Abstract

The paper deals with the polythecate earthworms of the genus Metaphire Sims & Easton, 1972 from Vietnam. A total of four species is recorded from Vietnam including three new species, namely M. kiengiangensis, new species, from Kien Giang province, M. dorsomultitheca, new species, from An Giang province, and M. mangophiloides, new species, from Dong Nai province. M. kiengiangensis is recognised by large size, spermathecal pores ventral in intersegments 6/7/8/9 and two pairs of genital markings in 17/18 and 18/19. M. dorsomultitheca is diagnosed by small size, spermathecal pores located dorsally in intersegments 7/8/9, and two pairs of genital markings present, but hiding inside copulatory pouches. M. mangophiloides is distinguished by medium size, spermathecal pores lateroventral in intersegment 5/6, and the absence of genital markings in both spermathecal and male regions.