A contribution to the taxonomy of the aquatic Oligochaeta (Haplotaxidae, Phreodrilidae, Tubificidae) of South America

Abstract

Fourteen taxa in three families are noted from regions of South America. Monopylephorus moleti (Tubificidae) and Haplotaxis aedeochaeta (Haplotaxidae) are new to science, while Potamothrix bavaricus (Tubificidae) and Phreodrilus lacustris (Phreodrilidae) are new records for the continent. The tubificids Isochaetides lacustris, Epirodrilus antipodum, and Paranadrilus descolei are redescribed. The report for Rhyacodrilus palustris from South Georgia is shown to be erroneous and should refer to Rhyacodrilus coccineus. The list of known species from the area is reviewed and some anatomical features of Haplotaxis species from Europe and North America are noted.