The earthworm genus Polypheretima Michaelsen, 1934 (Annelida: Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from Sulawesi, Indonesia, with descriptions of four new species

Abstract

The earthworm genus Polypheretima Michaelsen, 1934, from Sulawesi, Indonesia, is reviewed based on freshly collected material. A total of eight species are recorded in Sulawesi, including four new species, namely P. cokelat, new species, P. sahlani, new species, P. elongatoides, new species, and P. kalimpaaensis, new species. All new species belong to the Polypheretima elongata species-group, characterised by having spermathecal pores in 5/6 and/or 6/7, numerous spermathecae per battery, paired genital markings in xix and subsequent segments, in line with male porophores. In addition, an identication key to the species from Sulawesi is also provided.

Full text

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RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 2017
The earthworm genus Polypheretima Michaelsen, 1934 (Annelida:
Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from Sulawesi, Indonesia, with descriptions
of four new species
Fahri1, Rizki Amaliah1, Annawaty1, Anh D. Nguyen2,3*
Abstract. The earthworm genus Polypheretima Michaelsen, 1934, from Sulawesi, Indonesia, is reviewed based on
freshly collected material. A total of eight species are recorded in Sulawesi, including four new species, namely
P. cokelat, new species, P. sahlani, new species, P. elongatoides, new species, and P. kalimpaaensis, new species.
All new species belong to the Polypheretima elongata species-group, characterised by having spermathecal pores
in 5/6 and/or 6/7, numerous spermathecae per battery, paired genital markings in xix and subsequent segments, in
line with male porophores. In addition, an identication key to the species from Sulawesi is also provided.
Key words. earthworm, Megascolecidae, Polypheretima, new species, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 65: 559–573
Date of publication: 30 October 2017
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9A17DED6-26FE-44F4-A414-E3C650B16D94
© National University of Singapore
ISSN 2345-7600 (electronic) | ISSN 0217-2445 (print)
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tadulako
University, Jalan Raya Soekarno-Hatta, Tondo, Palu 94117, Indonesia.
2Duy Tan University, 254, Nguyen Van Linh, Da Nang city, Vietnam; Email:
ducanh410@yahoo.com (*corresponding author)
3Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and
Technology, No.18, Hoangquocviet Rd., Caugiay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
INTRODUCTION
The genus Polypheretima Michaelsen, 1934, was established
for pheretimoid earthworms characterised by the absence of
intestinal caeca, absence of crescentic genital markings in
front of or behind male pores, and numerous spermathecae
per segment (Michaelsen, 1934). Easton (1979) revised
and assigned 35 species to this genus. More new species
have been recently described, e.g., Polypheretima neglecta
Easton, 1984, from Fiji; Polypheretima tamarae Easton,
1984, from Papua New Guinea; P. mekongmontis Nguyen,
Tran & Nguyen, 2014, P. cattienensis Nguyen, Tran &
Nguyen, 2015, P. militium Nguyen, Tran & Nguyen, 2015,
and P. cordata Nguyen, Tran & Nguyen, 2015, all from
southern Vietnam; P. mindanaoensis Aspe & James, 2015,
P. bukidnonensis Aspe & James, 2016, and P. zamboangensis
Aspe & James, 2016 from the Philippines (Easton, 1984;
Nguyen et al., 2014, 2015; Aspe & James, 2015, 2016).
The genus Polypheretima is mainly distributed in Indo-
Australian archipelago, for example, Indonesia, Malaysia,
the Philippines, and southern Vietnam.
Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes, is one of four
largest islands in Indonesia, and 11th largest islands in the
world (http://data.mongabay.com/proles/sulawesi.html).
Its territory is about 192,506 km2, and mostly dominated
by mountains. This island is a part of Wallacea; thus, it
contains biological elements of both Asia and Australasia,
which means that the biodiversity of Sulawesi could be very
rich (Carstensen et al., 2012). To date, only four species of
Polypheretima have been recorded from Sulawesi, namely
P. elongata (Perrier, 1872) in southeast Sulawesi, P. everetti
(Beddard & Fedarb, 1895) in north and west Sulawesi, P.
phacellotheca (Michaelsen, 1899) in northeast Sulawesi
and P. stelleri (Michaelsen, 1891) in Sulawesi (Bone
valley and Matinang range) (Easton, 1976, 1979). This
number may be far from reecting the biodiversity of the
genus Polypheretima from Sulawesi. Our work, therefore,
contributes to the knowledge of this genus with descriptions
of four new species.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Fresh specimens were collected from cacao plantations
and yards in Tongoa village (01°12′30.6″S–01°12′38.8″S,
120°10′02.0″E–120°10′04.6″E), from secondary forests
near the Kalimpa’a lake (01°19′33″S, 120°18′29.6″E) of
the Lore Lindu National Park, from secondary forests
(0°42′56.4″S, 120°3′29.7″E) in the Pangi Binangga Nature
Reserve; Ogotumubu village (0°30′39.5″N, 120°34′1.7″E),
Margapura village (0°31′2.35″N, 120°57′45.15″E) in Central
Sulawesi province (Indonesia) in April 25th 2016–January
21st 2017 (Fig. 1). The earthworms were killed in formalin
2%, transferred to formalin 4% for xation for approximately
24 hours, and then transferred to new formalin 4% for long-
term preservation and morphological studies. Specimens
were dissected from dorsal side for internal observation.
Both external and internal morphology were observed
under a Carton DSZT44 stereo microscope. Holotypes
and paratypes are deposited in the Museum Zoologicum
Bogoriense (=MZB), Bogor, West Java, and Laboratory
of Zoology, Tadulako University, Palu, Central Sulawesi
(=UNTAD), Indonesia.
Taxonomy & Systematics

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Fahri et al.: Polypheretima spp. nov. from Sulawesi
TAXONOMY
Family Megascolecidae Rosa, 1891
Genus Polypheretima Michaelsen, 1934
Polypheretima cokelat Fahri & Amaliah, new species
(Fig. 2)
Material examined. Holotype. Clitellate (MZB Oli. 0054),
cacao plantation, (01°12′30.6″S, 120°10′02.0″E), elevation
of 870 m asl, Tongoa village, Lore Lindu National Park,
Sigi district, Central Sulawesi province, Indonesia, 26–27
October 2016, leg. Fahri, Rizki Amaliah, M. Syarif Indra
Gunawan, Evans Madiono, Nurliana H Laewa, Ardiansyah,
Adhi Pranata, Sahlan.
Paratypes. 4 clitellates (MZB Oli. 0055) and 3 clitellates
(UNTAD Oli. 0001), same data as for holotype.
Diagnosis. Medium size, length 54–185 mm, diameter
4.5–6.0 mm, segments 169–214. Prostomiumprolobous. First
dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae 43–61 in v, 52–63 in vii, 49–66
in viii, 46–62 in xxv, and 8–10 between male porophores
in xviii. Spermathecal pores large, lateroventrally paired in
5/6/7. Spermathecae about 2–5 per battery. Male porophores
highly elevated, large; male pores located inside copulatory
pouches with crescentic openings in xviii. Genital markings
large, on setal rings, paired (rarely unpaired) in xix–xxii,
rarely xxiii. Holandric.
Fig. 1. Locations of collection sites in Sulawesi.
Fig. 2. Polypheretima cokelat sp. nov., Holotype. A, Spermathecal
pores; B, Spermathecae (amp=ampulla, dv=diverticulum); C, Male
pore region, ventral view (mp=opening of copulatory pouch,
gm=genital markings); D, Male pore region, lateral view; E, Prostate
gland. Scale bar = 1 mm.

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Etymology. Named after the local name “cokelat” for
cacao trees.
Description. External characters. Body generally cylindrical,
medium size, length 54–185 mm, diameter 4.5–6.0 mm at
x and 5.0–5.5 mm at xx, segments 169–214. For living
specimens, body pinkish brown on dorsum and ventrum,
clitellum brown; for preserved specimens, colouration paler.
Prostomium prolobous. First dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae
43–61 in v, 52–63 in vii (Table 1), 49–66 in viii, 46–62
in xxv, and 8–10 between male porophores in xviii; setal
distance aa=ab, zz=1–2.5zy. Clitellum annular, xiv–xvi,
smooth, without setae and dorsal pores. Female pore single,
mid-ventral in xiv.
Spermathecal pores large, lateroventrally paired in 5/6/7.
Ventral distance between spermathecal pores about 0.4×
body circumference. No genital markings in the spermathecal
region.
Male porophores highly elevated, large; male pores located
inside copulatory pouches in xviii. Ventral distance between
male porophores about 0.4× body circumference. Genital
markings large, on setal rings, paired (rarely unpaired) in
xix–xxii, sometimes xxiii. Genital markings variable in
specimens (Table 1).
Internal characters. Septa 3/4/5/6/7/8 thickened, 8/9/10
absent,10/11/12/13 thin. Gizzard large, round after viii. Last
hearts in xiii. Intestinal origin at xv; caeca absent. Pharyngeal
micronephridia well-developed on septum 6/7. Typhlosole
simple, lamelliform. Lymph glands absent.
Table 1. The number of genital markings, spermathecae, setae on vii, and prostate position of Polypheretima cokelat, new species.
No. Specimen
Number of Genital Markings Prostate
Position
Number of Spermathecae Setae on
vii
Left Right Total Position Left Right Total
1 Holotype 4 4 8 17–23 vi 4 4 8 52
vii 3 4 7
2Paratype 1 4 4 8 16–23 vi 4 4 8 57
vii 4 4 8
3Paratype 2 4 4 8 17–22 vi 4 4 8 63
vii 3 4 7
4Paratype 3 4 4 8 17–19
vi 4 5 9
58
vii 5 5 10
5Paratype 4 4 4 8 17–24 vi 4 3 7 53
vii 3 3 6
6Paratype 5 5 5 10 16–22 vi 4 3 7 56
vii 2 2 4
7Paratype 6 5 4 9 16–23 vi 3 2 5 60
vii 3 3 6
8Paratype 7 4 4 8 17–19 vi 4 5 9 62
vii 5 4 9
Spermathecae small, about 11–19 altogether: 5–9 in vi (3–4
on the left, and 2–5 on the right), 4–10 in vii (2–5 on the left,
and 2–5 on the right). The number of spermathecae variable
in specimens (Table 1). Ampulla claviform; duct relatively
long, about 2/4–3/4 as long as ampulla. Diverticulum simple,
shorter than ampulla, with a seminal chamber at distal end,
attached to the base of duct. No accessory glands.
Holandric. Testes sacs paired in x–xi, small, separated,
ventral, yellowish. Seminal vesicles in xi and xii. Ovaries
and ovisacs paired in xiii. Prostate glands paired in xviii,
racemose with the rough upper part and the smooth bottom
part; two main branches extending variably in specimens
(Table 1). Prostatic ducts U-shaped, distalend enlarged at
xviii. No accessory glands.
Habitat and ecology. Specimens were collected in cacao
plantations in Tongoa village, Lore Lindu National Park at
870 m asl. The species was found in sandy soils at depth of
0–30 cm. Soil surface was moist because of cacao leaf litter
on the ground. The species was also found under decaying
wood, and around the roots of cacao at depth of 10 cm.
Remarks. The new species can be keyed to the Polypheretima
elongata species-complex (Easton, 1976, 1979) characterised
by numerous spermathecal pores in paired batteries,
lateroventral in intersegmental furrows 5/6 and/or 6/7; genital
markings paired in xix and subsequent segments, in line with
the male porophores. This group currently consists of seven
species (excluding the new species described in this paper),
namely P. elongata (Perrier, 1872), P. everetti (Beddard &
Fedarb, 1895), P. kinabaluensis (Beddard & Fedarb, 1895),
P. phacellotheca (Michaelsen, 1899), P. stelleri (Michaelsen,

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Fahri et al.: Polypheretima spp. nov. from Sulawesi
1891), P. mindanaoensis Aspe & James, 2015, and P.
bukidnonensis Aspe & James, 2016.
Polypheretima cokelat, new species, is particularly similar
to P. elongata and P. everetti in having spermathecal pores
in 5/6/7 and genital markings paired in xix and subsequent
segments. However, it differs from those species in its
smaller size (185 mm vs. 355 and 300 mm, respectively)
(Easton, 1979). Polypheretima elongata has no more than
three spermathecae per battery and 80–130 setae in vii
(Easton, 1979); P. everetti and P. kinabaluensis have 6–12
spermathecae per battery and setal number in vii up to
130 for the former and less than 40 for the latter (Easton,
1979); P. phacellotheca has 9–12 spermathecae per battery
and setae in vii 59–76 (Easton, 1976, 1979); P. stelleri
has spermathecae up to 28 per battery and setal number
in vii up to 130 (Easton, 1979); P. mindanaoensis has 0–5
spermathecae per battery and 41–53 setae in vii (Aspe &
James, 2015); P. bukidnonensis has 7–11 spermathecae per
battery and 39–45 setae in vii (Aspe & James, 2016) (Table
6). In contrast, P. cokelat, new species has 2–5 spermathecae
per battery and 52–63 setae in vii (Table 1).
Polypheretima sahlani Fahri & Amaliah, new species
(Fig. 3)
Material examined. Holotype. Clitellate (MZB Oli. 0056),
the yard (01°12′38.8″S, 120°10′04.6″E), elevation of 820 m
asl, Tongoa village, Lore Lindu National Park, Poso district,
Central Sulawesi province, Indonesia, 26–27 October 2016,
leg. Fahri, Rizki Amaliah, M. Syarif Indra Gunawan, Evans
Madiono, Nurliana H Laewa, Ardiansyah, Adhi Pranata,
Sahlan.
Paratypes. 4 clitellates (MZB Oli. 0057) and 2 clitellates
(UNTAD Oli. 0002), same data as for holotype.
Diagnosis. Medium size, length 152–195 mm, diameter
4.5–6.0 mm, segments 113–281. Prostomiumprolobous.
First dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae 34–75 in v, 78–89 in vii,
71–91 in viii and 59–68 in xxv, and 8–10 between male
porophores in xviii. Spermathecal pores absent or in 5/6.
Male porophores highly elevated, large; male pores located
inside copulatory pouches in xviii. Genital markings large,
presetal, paired in xix–xxiii, sometimes xxiv, in line with
male porophores. Metandric.
Etymology. The species is named after Sahlan, for his kind
assistance in the eldwork.
Description. External characters. Body generally cylindrical;
medium size, length 152–195 mm, diameter 4.5–6.0 mm
at x and 5.0–6.0 mm xx, segments 113–281. For living
specimens, pre-clitellar region purplish pink, post-clitellar
region purplish brown, clitellum brown; for preserved
specimens, colouration paler.
Prostomium prolobous. First dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae
34–75 in v, 78–89 in vii (Table 2), 71–91 in viii and 59–68
in xxv, and 8–10 between male porophores in xviii; setal
distance aa=1–2ab, zz=1–2.5zy. Clitellum annular, xiv–xvi,
smooth without setae and dorsal pores. Female pore single,
mid-ventral in xiv.
Spermathecal pores absent or small, inconspicuous in ventral
5/6. Male porophores highly elevated, large; male pores
located inside copulatory pouches with crescentic openings
in xviii. Ventral distance between male porophores about
0.5× body circumference. Genital markings large, presetal,
paired in xix–xxiii, sometimes xxiv, in line with the male
porophores.
Internal characters. Septa 3/4/5/6/7/8 thickened, 8/9/10
absent, 10/11/12/13 thin. Gizzard large, round after viii.
Last hearts in xiii. Intestinal origin at xv; caeca absent.
Pharyngeal micronephridia well-developed on septum 6/7.
Typhlosole simple. Lymph glands absent.
Spermathecae large, 0–3 altogether in vi: no spermathecae on
the left, but 0–3 on the right. The number of spermathecae
variable in specimens (Table 2). Ampulla large and globose;
duct very short, about 1/6 as long as ampulla. Diverticulum
simple, cylindrical, much shorter than ampulla, with a
seminal chamber at distal end, attached to the base of duct.
No accessory glands.
Metandric. Testes sacs paired in xi, small, separated, ventral,
yellowish. Seminal vesicles in xii. Ovaries paired on xiii.
Prostate glands paired in xviii, racemose, two main branches
extending variably in specimens (Table 2). Prostatic ducts
C-shaped, short and stout. No accessory glands.
Fig. 3. Polypheretima sahlani sp. nov., Holotype. A, Spermathecal
pores; B, Spermathecae (amp=ampulla, dv=diverticulum); C, Male
pore region, ventral view (mp=opening of copulatory pouch,
gm=genital markings); D, Male pore region, lateral view; E, Prostate
gland. Scale bar = 1 mm.

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Habitat and ecology. The species was found in the yard in
Tongoa village, Lore Lindu National Park at 820 m asl. It
was collected in sandy soils near water drainages at depth
of 5–20 cm.
Remarks. The new species is fairly similar to Polypheretima
phacellotheca by having spermathecal pores in 5/6, but
differs in male sexual system (metandric vs. holandric), the
number of spermathecae per battery (1–3 vs. 9–12), setae in
vii (78–89 vs. up to 80), number of genital markings (xix–
xxiii/xxiv vs. xix–xxii), and spermathecal ampulla (globose,
duct short vs. oval, duct long) (Table 6).
Polypheretima elongatoides Fahri & Nguyen,
new species
(Fig. 4)
Material examined. Holotype. Clitellate (MZB Oli.
0058), secondary forest, Pangi Binangga Nature Reserve
(0°42′56.4″S, 120°3′29.7″E), elevation of 308 m asl, Parigi
Moutong district, Central Sulawesi province, Indonesia,
7 May 2016, leg. Fahri, Rizki Amaliah, M. Syarif Indra
Gunawan, Wanda Damayanti, Fitriana.
Paratypes. 2 clitellates (MZB Oli. 0059) and 4 clitellates
(UNTAD Oli. 0003), same data as for holotype.
Diagnosis. Medium size, length 118–240 mm, diameter
4–8 mm, segments 97–153. Prostomium prolobous. First
dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae 35–48 in v, 38–56 in vii, 41–53
in viii and 51–88 in xxv, 6–10 between male porophores
in xviii. Spermathecal pores arranged in 5/6/7, about 3–9
spermathecae per battery. Ampulla irregular, oval, jagged,
folded; diverticulum cylindrical, slightly twisted with a
seminal chamber at distal end. Genital markings large, on
setal rings, paired in xix–xxi, sometimes xix–xxii. Holandric.
Etymology. Named after the similarities to Polypheretima
elongata (Perrier, 1872).
Description. External characters. Body generally cylindrical,
but slightly bigger in segments iv–x. Medium size, length
118–240 mm, diameter 4–8 mm, number of segments 97–153.
For living specimens, yellow brownish on dorsum and paler
Table 2. The number of genital markings, spermathecae, setae on vii, and prostate position of Polypheretima sahlani, new species.
No Specimen
Number of Genital
Markings Prostate Position Number of Spermathecae Setae
on vii
Left Right Total Left Right Position Left Right Total
1 Holotype 5 5 10 16–19 16–19 vi 0 3 3 85
2Paratype 1 5 5 10 16–19 15–19 vi 0 0 0 78
3Paratype 2 5 5 10 16–19 16–19 vi 0 0 0 85
4Paratype 3 5 5 10 15–19 16–19 vi 0 0 0 89
5Paratype 4 5 5 10 16–19 16–19 vi 0 0 0 82
6Paratype 5 5 5 10 16–20 16–20 vi 0 1 1 83
7Paratype 6 6 6 12 16–20 16–19 vi 0 0 0 80
Fig. 4. Polypheretima elongatoides sp. nov., Holotype. A,
Spermathecal pores; B, C, Spermathecae (amp=ampulla,
dv=diverticulum); D, Male pores region (mp=opening of copulatory
pouch, gm=genital marking, ventral view); E, Male pores region
(lateral view); F, Prostate gland. Scale bar = 1 mm.
on ventrum, brown around clitellum; for preserved specimens,
light brown pre and post clitellum, reddish brown in clitellum.
Prostomium prolobous. First dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae
35–48 in v, 38–56 in vii (Table 3), 41–53 in viii and 51–88
in xxv, 6–10 between male porophores in xviii; setae distance
aa=1–2ab, zz=1–3zy. Clitellum annular, xiv–xvi, smooth
without setae. Female pore single, mid-ventral in xiv.
Spermathecal pores large, lateroventrally in 5/6/7. Distance
between spermathecal pores about 0.3× body circumference
ventrally. No genital markings in the spermathecal region.
Male porophores highly elevated, large; male pores located
deeply inside copulatory pouches each with a large, crescentic
opening in xviii, ventral distance between openings about
0.4× body circumference. Genital markings large, on setal
rings, paired in xix-xxi, sometimes xix-xxii and absent in
spermathecal region. Genital markings variable in specimens
(Table 3).

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Internal characters. Septa 3/4/5/6/7/8 thickened, 8/9/10
absent, 10/11/12/13 thin. Gizzard large, round after viii.
Last heart in xiii. Intestine beginning at xv; caeca absent.
Pharyngeal micronephridia well-developed on septum 6/7.
Typhlosole simple. Lymph glands not seen.
Spermathecae small to large, 14–31 altogether: 7–18 in vi
(4–9 on the left, and 3–9 on the right), 7–16 in vii (4–7 on
the left, and 3–9 on the right). The number of spermathecae
variable in specimens (Table 3). Ampulla irregular, oval,
jagged, folded; duct about 1/2–1/3 as long as ampulla.
Diverticulum cylindrical, much shorter than ampulla, distal
end slightly expanded; stalk straight or slightly curved,
attached to duct at base.
Holandric. Testes sacs paired in x–xi, small, separated,
ventral, yellowish. Seminal vesicles in xi–xii. Ovaries
paired in xiii and ovisacs developing in xiii. Prostate
glands racemose, paired in xvi–xx (Table 3). Prostatic ducts
C-shaped. No accessory glands.
Habitat and ecology. Specimens were collected in secondary
forests in the Pangi-Binangga Nature Reserve at 308 m
asl. This species was found in sandy soils at a depth about
0–10 cm.
The species was also found on the surface of the main road
between two districts (Parigi Moutong and Donggala regency
in Central Sulawesi) in Pangi Binangga Nature Reserve.
We observed that the specimens were moving from a place
covered by a narrow canopy and near a dry river to a lower
place covered by shrubs and wider canopy.
Remarks. The new species can be keyed to the P. elongata
species group. Polypheretima elongatoides, new species, is
fairly similar to P. elongata in having spermathecal pores
in 5/6/7, genital markings paired in xix–xxi. However, it
differs from P. elongata in having more spermathecae per
battery (3–9 vs. up to 3), smaller size (up to 240 mm vs.
300 mm), fewer setae in vii (38–56 vs. 80–130), and in the
shape of the spermathecae (ampulla irregular, oval, jagged,
folded vs. ampulla globose) (Perrier, 1872; Easton, 1982).
The new species also differs from its congeners in the number
of spermathecae (about 3–9 per battery) and the number of
setae (about 38–56 in vii). In contrast, P. everetti (Beddard
& Fedarb, 1895) has 6–12 spermathecae per battery and
up to 130 setae in vii (Easton, 1979); P. phacellotheca
(Michaelsen, 1899) has 9–12 spermathecae per battery and
up to 80 setae in vii (Easton, 1979); P. stelleri (Michaelsen,
1891) has up to 28 spermathecae per battery and up to 130
setae in vii (Easton, 1979); P. kinabaluensis (Beddard &
Fedarb, 1895) has 6–12 spermathecae in each battery and
less than 40 setae in vii (Easton, 1979); P. mindanaoensis
Aspe & James, 2015 has 0–5 spermathecae in each battery
and about 41–53 setae in vii; and P. bukidnonensis Aspe
& James, 2016 has 7–11 spermathecae in each battery and
about 39–45 setae in vii (Table 6).
Polypheretima kalimpaaensis Fahri & Amaliah,
new species
(Fig. 5)
Material examined. Holotype. Clitellate (MZB Oli. 0051),
Kalimpa’a Lake, Secondary Forest, Lore Lindu National
Park (01°19′33″S, 120°18′29.6″E), elevation of 1,593 m
asl., Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, 5 June 2016, leg.
Fahri, Rizki Amaliah, Sahlan, Auni Ade Putri.
Paratypes. 5 clitellates (MZB Oli. 0053), same data as for
holotype; 5 clitellates (MZB Oli. 0052), same locality as for
holotype, 31 October 2016, leg. Fahri, Rizki Amaliah, Rika
Table 3. The number of genital markings, spermathecae, setae on vii, and prostate position of Polypheretima elongatoides, new species.
No. Specimen
Number of Genital Marking Prostate
Position
Number of Spermathecae Setae on
vii
Left Right Total Position Left Right Total
1 Holotype 3 3 6 17–19 vi 6 7 13 41
vii 7 6 13
2Paratype 1 3 3 6 16–20 vi 5 6 11 48
vii 7 7 14
3Paratype 2 3 3 6 16–19 vi 4 6 10 52
vii 5 7 12
4Paratype 3 3 3 6 17–19 vi 6 7 13 56
vii 7 9 16
5Paratype 4 3 3 6 16–20 vi 9 9 18 38
vii 6 7 13
6Paratype 5 3 3 6 17–19 vi 7 7 14 46
vii 7 7 14
7Paratype 6 4 4 8 17–19 vi 4 3 7 43
vii 4 3 7

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Hafriani H, Evans Muhdiyono, Adhi Pranata, Ardiansyah,
Sahlan; 10 clitellates (UNTAD Oli. 0004), same locality as for
holotype, 31 October 2016, leg. Fahri, Rizki Amaliah, Rika
Hafriani H, Evans Muhdiyono, Adhi Pranata, Ardiansyah,
Sahlan.
Other material. 15 clitellates (UNTAD Oli. 0005), same
locality as for holotype, 31 October 2016, leg. Fahri, Rizki
Amaliah, Rika Hafriani H, Evans Muhdiyono, Adhi Pranata,
Ardiansyah, Sahlan.
Diagnosis. Medium size, length 124–156 mm, diameter
3–5 mm, segments 150–223. Prostomium prolobous. First
dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae 58–64 in v, 42–74 in vii, 69–85
in viii, 48–52 in xxv, and 8–10 between male porophores in
xviii. Spermathecae arranged in two pairs of pores in 5/6/7,
about 3–7 per battery. Genital markings large, on setal rings,
paired (rarely unpaired) in xix-xx, sometimes xxi. Holandric.
Etymology. The new species is named after Lake Kalimpa’a,
in Lore Lindu National Park, where the type material was
found.
Description. External characters. Body generally cylindrical.
Medium size, length 124–156 mm, diameter 3–5 mm,
segments 150–223. For living specimens, pre-clitellum
and post-clitellum somewhat purplish pink, and clitellum
brownish pink; for preserved specimens, colouration paler.
Prostomium prolobous. First dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae
58–64 in v, 42–74 in vii, 69–85 in viii, 48–52 in xxv, and 8–10
between male porophores in xviii; setae distance aa=1–2ab,
zz=1–2zy. The number of setae in vii variable in specimens
(Table 4). Clitellum annular, xiv–xvi, smooth without setae
and dorsal pores. Female pore single in mid-ventral xiv.
Spermathecal pores large, paired lateroventrally in 5/6/7.
Ventral distance between spermathecal pores about 0.35×
body circumference. Genital markings absent in the
spermathecal region.
Male pores located deeply inside copulatory pouches in
xviii; each copulatory pouch with a large, crescentic opening.
Distance between the openings of copulatory pouches about
0.2× body circumference ventrally. Genital markings large,
on setal rings, paired (rarely unpaired) in xix–xx (Table 4).
Fig. 5. Polypheretima kalimpaaensis sp. nov., Holotype. A, Spermathecal pores; B, Spermathecae (amp=ampulla, dv=diverticulum); C,
Cocoon; D, Male pore region, ventral view (mp=opening of copulatory pouch, gm=genital marking); E, Male pore region, lateral view;
F, Prostate gland. Scale bar = 1 mm (for A, B, D, E, F), 1 cm (for C).

566
Fahri et al.: Polypheretima spp. nov. from Sulawesi
Table 4. The number of genital markings, spermathecae, setae on vii, and prostate position of Polypheretima kalimpaaensis, new species.
No. Specimen
Number of Genital Marking Prostate
Position
Number of Spermathecae Setae on
vii
Left Right Total Position Left Right Total
1 Holotype 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 4 9 68
vii 4 4 8
2Paratype 1 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 4 8 61
vii 4 5 9
3Paratype 2 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 5 9 63
vii 4 5 9
4Paratype 3 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 4 8 53
vii 4 4 8
5Paratype 4 0 3 3 16–20 vi 5 5 10 51
vii 4 4 8
6Paratype 5 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 5 10 66
vii 5 5 10
7Paratype 6 3 2 5 16–20 vi 5 4 9 61
vii 5 4 9
8Paratype 7 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 5 9 74
vii 4 4 8
9Paratype 8 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 4 9 64
vii 5 4 9
10 Paratype 9 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 5 9 63
vii 4 4 8
11 Paratype 10 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 4 9 64
vii 5 4 9
12 Paratype 11 2 2 4 15–19 vi 5 5 10 54
vii 4 4 8
13 Paratype 12 2 2 4 15–19 vi 4 4 8 63
vii 3 3 6
14 Paratype 13 2 2 4 15–19 vi 5 4 9 54
vii 3 5 8
15 Paratype 14 2 2 4 15–19 vi 4 6 10 55
vii 4 4 8
16 Paratype 15 2 2 4 15–19 vi 5 4 9 48
vii 5 5 10
17 Specimen 1 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 4 9 61
vii 4 5 9
18 Specimen 2 2 2 4 16–20 vi 3 5 8 58
vii 4 4 8
19 Specimen 3 2 2 4 15–19 vi 4 5 9 58
vii 4 4 8
20 Specimen 4 2 2 4 15–19 vi 5 5 10 60
vii 4 4 8
21 Specimen 5 2 2 4 15–19 vi 5 4 9 61
vii 7 5 12
22 Specimen 6 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 6 10 61
vii 4 4 8

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No. Specimen
Number of Genital Marking Prostate
Position
Number of Spermathecae Setae on
vii
Left Right Total Position Left Right Total
23 Specimen 7 2 2 4 16–20 vi 3 4 7 42
vii 4 4 8
24 Specimen 8 2 1 3 17–19 vi 5 5 10 63
vii 4 5 9
25 Specimen 9 2 2 4 16–20 vi 3 4 7 62
vii 5 5 10
26 Specimen 10 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 5 9 59
vii 5 5 10
27 Specimen 11 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 4 9 65
vii 4 5 9
28 Specimen 12 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 4 9 57
vii 4 4 8
29 Specimen 13 1 2 3 16–20 vi 4 4 8 56
vii 5 5 10
30 Specimen 14 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 5 10 55
vii 5 5 10
31 Specimen 15 2 2 4 15–19 vi 5 5 10 56
vii 5 4 9
32 Specimen 16 2 2 4 15–19 vi 4 4 8 49
vii 5 5 10
33 Specimen 17 2 2 4 16–20 vi 5 6 11 60
vii 4 5 9
34 Specimen 18 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 5 9 61
vii 5 5 10
35 Specimen 19 2 2 4 16–20 vi 4 5 9 62
vii 5 4 9
36 Specimen 20 2 2 4 15–19 vi 4 4 8 63
vii 4 5 9
Internal characters. Septa 3/4/5/6/7/8 thick, 8/9/10 absent,
10/11/12/13 thin. Gizzard large, round after viii. Last hearts
in xiii. Intestinal origin at xv; caeca absent. Pharyngeal
micronephridia well-developed on septum 4/5. Typhlosole
simple, lamelliform. Lymph glands absent.
Spermathecae small, 16–20 altogether in vi–vii: 8–10 in each
of segment vi and vii (3–7 in each side of segment vi and
vii, respectively). The number of spermathecae variable in
specimens (Table 4). Ampulla more or less subcylindrial;
duct very short. Diverticulum cylindrical, much shorter than
ampulla, slightly expanded at distal end; stalk attached to
duct at base.
Holandric. Testes sacs paired in x and xi, small, separated,
ventral, yellowish. Seminal vesicles in xi and xii. Ovaries
paired in xiii and ovisacs developing in xiii. Prostate gland
racemose, paired in xvi–xx. Prostatic ducts C-shaped. No
accessory glands.
Habitat and ecology. Specimens were found in secondary
forests near Kalimpa’a Lake at 1,593 m asl. They live just
under rotten woods in sandy soils, and we did not nd them
in other habitats (sandy soils without rotting woods near the
lake, and sandy soils with rich litters but not rotting woods).
Besides worms, several beetle larvae were also found. We
also found its cocoons in the collecting area. Cocoons are
white, oval-shaped with a diameter of 4 mm.
Remarks. Polypheretima kalimpaaensis, new species, is
keyed to the P. elongata species group. The species is fairly
similar to almost all species in the elongata group, except
P. phacellotheca and P. sahlani, in having spermathecal
pores in 5/6/7 (Table 6). However, the species is clearly
different from its congeners in having 3–7 spermathecae in
each battery and 42–74 setae in vii.

568
Fahri et al.: Polypheretima spp. nov. from Sulawesi
Table 5. The number of genital markings and spermathecae of Polypheretima phacellotheca (Michaelsen, 1899).
No. Specimen
Number of Genital Marking Number of Spermathecae
Left Right Total Left Right Total
1Specimen 1 5 5 10 11 11 22
2Specimen 2 3 4 7 9 10 19
3Specimen 3 4 4 8 10 10 20
4Specimen 4 4 4 8 11 11 22
5Specimen 5 4 4 8 11 11 22
6Specimen 6 4 4 8 11 11 22
7Specimen 7 4 4 8 11 11 22
8Specimen 8 4 4 8 9 9 18
9Specimen 9 4 4 8 10 10 20
10 Specimen 10 4 4 8 10 10 20
Fig. 6. Polypheretima phacellotheca (Michaelsen, 1899).
A, Spermathecal pores; B, Spermathecae (amp=ampulla,
dv=diverticula); C, Male pore region (mp=opening of copulatory
pouchs, gm=genital marking); D, Male pore region, lateral view;
E, Prostate gland. Scale bar = 1 mm.
Polypheretima phacellotheca (Michaelsen, 1899)
(Fig. 6)
Amyntas phakellotheca (sic) Michaelsen, 1899: 47.
Amyntas phacellotheca: Beddard, 1900: 640.
Pheretima phacellotheca: Michaelsen, 1900: 293; Gates, 1961: 304.
Pheretima (Polypheretima) phacellotheca: Michaelsen, 1934: 15.
Metapheretima phacellotheca: Sims & Easton, 1972: 233; Easton,
1976: 44.
Polypheretima phacellotheca: Easton, 1979: 55
Material examined. 4 clitellates (MZB Oli. 0060), secondary
forest (0°30′39.5″N, 120°34′1.7″E), elevation of 7 m asl.,
Ogotumubu Barat village, Tomini sub-district, Parigi
Mautong district, Central Sulawesi province, Indonesia, 25
April 2016, leg. Fahri and Fitrallisan. 6 clitellates (UNTAD
Oli. 0006), same data as for MZB Oli. 0060.
Re-description. External characters. Body cylindrical.
Large size, length 210–220 mm, diameter 4–7 mm, segments
210–256. Colour similar on dursum and ventrum, yellow
brownish in pre-clitellum and post-clitellum and pink around
clitellum.
Prostomium prolobous. First dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae
44–67 in v, 59–76 in vii, 62–85 in viii, 46–98 in xxv, and 4–8
between male porophores in xviii; setae distance aa=1–3ab,
zz=1–3zy. Clitellum annular, xiv–xvi, smooth without setae
and dorsal pores. Female pore single, mid-ventral in xiv.
Spermathecal pores paired lateroventrally in 5/6. Ventral
distance between spermathecal pores about 0.25× body
circumference. No genital markings in the spermathecal
region.
Male pores located inside copulatory pouches in xviii, each
copulatory pouch with a large opening. Distance between
the openings of copulatory pouches about 0.25× body
circumference ventrally. Genital markings large, paired
(rarely single) on setal rings in xix–xxii (Table 5).
Internal characters. Septa 3/4/5/6/7/8 thick, 8/9/10 absent,
10/11/12/13 thin. Gizzard round after viii. Last hearts in
xiii. Typhlosole simple. Intestine beginning from xv; caeca
absent. Pharyngeal micronephridia well-developed on 6/7.
Spermathecae small to large, 9–11 in left and right in vi,
respectively. Number of spermathecae variable in specimens
(Table 5). Ampulla waterdrop-shaped; duct about 1/3–1/5
as long as ampulla. Diverticulum thin, slightly shorter than
ampulla, attached to duct at base; distal part expanded to
seminal chamber. No accessory glands.
Holandric. Testes sacs paired in x–xi, small, separated,
ventral, yellowish. Seminal vesicles in xi–xii. Ovaries
paired in xiii and ovisacs developing in xiii. Prostate glands
racemose, paired in xvi–xviii. Prostatic ducts C-shaped. No
accessory glands.

569
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 2017
Habitat and ecology. Specimens were found around banana
trees in house yards. They were collected from the ground
muddy at a depth of 0–20 cm.
Remarks. The species was previously reported from
Mt. Masarang, above Tomohon (Northeast Sulawesi)
(Michaelsen, 1899; Easton, 1976). We found this species
near a beach at elevation of only 7 m asl in the Ogotumubu
village, central part of Sulawesi. With new fresh specimens,
the distributional area of the species has been expanded to
central Sulawesi.
In addition, Michaelsen (1899) described this species from
northeast Sulawesi without illustrations. New illustrations,
thus, are provided to support his description.
Polypheretima elongata (Perrier, 1872)
(Fig. 7)
Perichaeta elongata Perrier, 1872: 124
Megascolex elongata Vaillant, 1889: 81
Perichaeta biserialis Perrier, 1875: 1044
Perichaeta acystis Beddard, 1895: 423
Amyntas elongatus Beddard, 1900: 650
Pheretima elongata Michaelsen, 1900: 265
Metapheretima elongata Sims & Easton, 1972: 233; Easton,
1976: 40
(For more synonyms, see Easton, 1976)
Material examined. 4 clitellates (MZB Oli. 0061), the yard,
Margapura village (0°31′2.35″N, 120°57′45.15″E), elevation
of 5 m asl., Bolano Lambunu sub-district, Parigi Mautong
district, Central Sulawesi province, Indonesia, 20–21 January
2017, leg. Fahri and Fitrallisan. 6 clitellates (UNTAD Oli.
0007), same data as for the sample MZB Oli. 0061.
Description. External characters. Body generally cylindrical.
Prostomium prolobous. First dorsal pore in 12/13. Setae
68–74 in v, 70–86 in vii, 72–88 in viii, 80–92 in xxv, and
8–12 between male porophores in xviii. Clitellum annular,
xiv–xvi, smooth without setae and dorsal pores. Female pore
single, mid-ventral in xiv.
Spermathecal pores small, lateroventrally two paired in 5/6/7.
Male porophores highly elevated, large; male pores located
inside copulatory pouches in xviii. Genital markings simple,
large, presetal, paired in xix–xxi, rarely xxii.
Internal characters. Septa 3/4/5/6/7/8 thickened, 8/9/10
absent, 10/11/12/13 thin. Gizzard large, round after viii.
Last heart in xiii. Intestinal origin at xv; caeca absent.
Pharyngeal micronephridia well-developed on septum 7/8.
Typhlosole simple.
Spermathecae large, about 1–5 altogether, 1–2 per segment
in 5/6 and 1–2 per segment in 6/7 (Table 6). The number
of spermathecae variable in specimens (Table 6). Ampulla
large and round; duct relatively short, about 1/6 as long as
ampulla. Diverticulum simple, much shorter than ampulla,
slightly expanded distad, and attached to the base of duct.
No accessory glands.
Fig. 7. Polypheretima elongata (Michaelsen, 1872). A, Spermathecal
pores; B, Spermathecae (amp=ampulla, dv=diverticulum); C, Male
pore region, ventral view (mp=opening of copulatory pouchs,
gm=genital marking); D, Male pore region, lateral view; E, Prostate
gland. Scale bar = 1 mm.
Holandric. Testes sacs paired in x and xi, small, separated,
ventral, yellowish. Seminal vesicles in xi–xii. Ovaries paired
in xiii, ovisacs in xiii. Prostate glands paired from xvi–xix,
racemose. Prostatic ducts C-shaped, bigger distally, ending
at xviii. No accessory glands.
Habitat and ecology. Specimens were found in the yard
in Margapura village, Bolano Lambunu district at 5 m asl.
It was collected from sandy soils near water drainages at
depth of 5–20 cm.
Remarks. Polypheretima elongata is an exotic species widely
distributed in Sulawesi and other regions in Indonesia (Easton,
1976). It is also commonly found in the Indochinese region
(Thai, 1983; Nguyen et al., 2016).
Key to species of the genus Polypheretima in Sulawesi
1. Spermathecal pores in 5/6/7 .................................................... 2
– Spermathecal pores absent or in 5/6 only ..............................3
2. Spermathecae more than 3 in each battery ............................ 4
– Spermathecae less than 3 in each battery; ampulla oval or
globose, duct stout and short. Genital markings paired in
xix–xxi ................................................................... .P. elongata
– Spermathecae about 2–5 in each battery; ampulla claviform,
duct about 2/3 times as long as ampulla. Genital markings
paired in xix–xxii ..........................P. cokelat, new species
3. Holandric. Spermathecae about 9–12 in each battery. Ampulla
water-drop shaped. Genital markings in xix–xxi .....................
........................................................................P. phacellotheca
– Metandric. If present, spermathecae about 1–3 altogether.
Ampulla large globose. Genital markings in xix–xxiii ............
............................................................ P. sahlani, new species

570
Fahri et al.: Polypheretima spp. nov. from Sulawesi
Table 6. Character comparison among Polypheretima elongata species group.
Characters P. elongata P. everetti P. kinabaluensis P. phacellotheca P. stelleri P. mindanaoensis P. bukidnonensis P. cokelat P. sahlani P. elongatoides P. kalimpaaensis
External Length 198–278 mm – – 210–220 mm –90–118 mm 131 mm 54–185mm 152–195 mm 118–240 mm 124–156 mm
Diameter 4–5mm – – 4–7 mm –5.1 mm 5–6.5 mm 4.5–6.0 mm 4.5–6.0 mm 4–8 mm 3–5 mm
Segment 134–227 – – 210–256 – 140–141 169–214 113–281 97–153 150–223
Colouration – – – yellow
brownish,
clitellum pink.
–White, clitellum
pinkish-grey
Brown dorsum,
pale ventrum,
equators pigmented
Pinkish brown Pre-clitellarregion
purplish pink,
post-clitellarregion
purplish brown
Brownish Purplish pink,
andclitellum
brownish pink
Prostomium Prolobous – – Prolobous – – – Prolobous Prolobous Prolobous Prolobous
Setae in VII 80–130 up tp 130 less than 40 59–76 up tp 130 41–53 39–45 52–63 78–89 38–56 42–74
Setae between
male pores
8–12 – – 4–8 – 10 6–7 8–10 8–10 6–10 8–10
Clitellum – – – xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi
Spermathecal
pores
5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6 5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6/7 Absent or 5/6 5/6/7 5/6/7
Shape of
spermathecal
pores
– – – – – Lacking or
inconspicuous
– Large Small and
inconspicuous
Large Large
Genital marking – – – Paired (rarely
single) in xix–
xxii
–Paired xix–xxv or
xxvi
Paired xix–xxi xix–xxii or xxiii Paired xix–xxiii or
xxiv
Paired xix–xxi or
xxii
Paired (rarely
single) xix–xx
The openings of
copulatory pouch
– – – Crescentic – – – Crescentic Crescentic Crescentic Crescentic
Internal Septa 8/9/10 – – – Present – Absent Lacking Present Present Present Present
Spermathecae in
each battery
Rarely more
than 3
6–12 6–12 9–12 Up to 28 0–5 7–11 2–5 1–3 3–9 4–5
Shape of ampulla Waterdrop-
shaped
–Pyriform, duct
short and slender
Pyriform, duct
short and slender
Claviform, duct
relatively long
Large and globose,
ducts very short
Irregular, oval,
jagged and folded
More or less
subcylindrial; duct
very short
Shape of
diverticulum
Stalk thin,
shorter than
ampulla, distal
part expanded
to seminal
chamber,
attached to duct
at base
–Stalk long and
slender, attached
ectally to duct,
with one kink,
terminating in
short, sausage-
shaped receptacle
Stalk long and
slender, attached
ectally to duct,
terminating in
short, sausage-
shaped receptacle
Simple, shorter
than ampulla,
with a seminal
chamber at distal
end, attached to the
base of ducts
Cylindrical, shorter
than ampulla,
slightly twisted,
with a seminal
chamber at distal
end, attached to the
base of duct
Cylindrical, stalk
straight or slightly
curved, distal end
slightly expanded,
much shorter than
ampulla, attached
to duct at base
Cylindrical,
slightly expanded
at distal end,
much shorter than
ampulla, attached
to duct at base
Pharyngeal
micronephridia
– – – 6/7 – – – 6/7 6/7 6/7 4/5
Note: Data obtained from Easton (1979, 1982, 1984), Aspe & James (2015), Aspe & James (2016).

571
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Table 6. Character comparison among Polypheretima elongata species group.
Characters P. elongata P. everetti P. kinabaluensis P. phacellotheca P. stelleri P. mindanaoensis P. bukidnonensis P. cokelat P. sahlani P. elongatoides P. kalimpaaensis
External Length 198–278 mm – – 210–220 mm –90–118 mm 131 mm 54–185mm 152–195 mm 118–240 mm 124–156 mm
Diameter 4–5mm – – 4–7 mm –5.1 mm 5–6.5 mm 4.5–6.0 mm 4.5–6.0 mm 4–8 mm 3–5 mm
Segment 134–227 – – 210–256 – 140–141 169–214 113–281 97–153 150–223
Colouration – – – yellow
brownish,
clitellum pink.
–White, clitellum
pinkish-grey
Brown dorsum,
pale ventrum,
equators pigmented
Pinkish brown Pre-clitellarregion
purplish pink,
post-clitellarregion
purplish brown
Brownish Purplish pink,
andclitellum
brownish pink
Prostomium Prolobous – – Prolobous – – – Prolobous Prolobous Prolobous Prolobous
Setae in VII 80–130 up tp 130 less than 40 59–76 up tp 130 41–53 39–45 52–63 78–89 38–56 42–74
Setae between
male pores
8–12 – – 4–8 – 10 6–7 8–10 8–10 6–10 8–10
Clitellum – – – xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi xiv–xvi
Spermathecal
pores
5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6 5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6/7 5/6/7 Absent or 5/6 5/6/7 5/6/7
Shape of
spermathecal
pores
––––– Lacking or
inconspicuous
– Large Small and
inconspicuous
Large Large
Genital marking –––Paired (rarely
single) in xix–
xxii
–Paired xix–xxv or
xxvi
Paired xix–xxi xix–xxii or xxiii Paired xix–xxiii or
xxiv
Paired xix–xxi or
xxii
Paired (rarely
single) xix–xx
The openings of
copulatory pouch
– – – Crescentic – – – Crescentic Crescentic Crescentic Crescentic
Internal Septa 8/9/10 – – – Present – Absent Lacking Present Present Present Present
Spermathecae in
each battery
Rarely more
than 3
6–12 6–12 9–12 Up to 28 0–5 7–11 2–5 1–3 3–9 4–5
Shape of ampulla Waterdrop-
shaped
–Pyriform, duct
short and slender
Pyriform, duct
short and slender
Claviform, duct
relatively long
Large and globose,
ducts very short
Irregular, oval,
jagged and folded
More or less
subcylindrial; duct
very short
Shape of
diverticulum
Stalk thin,
shorter than
ampulla, distal
part expanded
to seminal
chamber,
attached to duct
at base
–Stalk long and
slender, attached
ectally to duct,
with one kink,
terminating in
short, sausage-
shaped receptacle
Stalk long and
slender, attached
ectally to duct,
terminating in
short, sausage-
shaped receptacle
Simple, shorter
than ampulla,
with a seminal
chamber at distal
end, attached to the
base of ducts
Cylindrical, shorter
than ampulla,
slightly twisted,
with a seminal
chamber at distal
end, attached to the
base of duct
Cylindrical, stalk
straight or slightly
curved, distal end
slightly expanded,
much shorter than
ampulla, attached
to duct at base
Cylindrical,
slightly expanded
at distal end,
much shorter than
ampulla, attached
to duct at base
Pharyngeal
micronephridia
– – – 6/7 – – – 6/7 6/7 6/7 4/5
Note: Data obtained from Easton (1979, 1982, 1984), Aspe & James (2015), Aspe & James (2016).

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Fahri et al.: Polypheretima spp. nov. from Sulawesi
4. Setae up to 130 in vii ..............................................................5
– Setae less than 80 in vii ..........................................................6
5. Spermathecae about 6–12 in each battery; ampulla claviform,
duct short, not distinct from ampulla. Genital markings paired
in xix–xxiii .............................................................. P. everetti
– Spermathecae up to 28 in each battery. Genital markings paired
in xix–xxi ................................................................... P. stelleri
6. Spermathecae about 3–9 in each battery; ampulla oval-shaped,
duct about ½ times as long as ampulla. Setae 38–56 in vii.
Genital markings paired in xix–xxi ..........................................
....................................................P. elongatoides, new species
– Spermathecae about 4–5 in each battery; ampulla irregular
shaped, more or less cylindrical, duct not distinct from ampulla.
Setae 51–74 in vii. Genital markings paired in xix–xx ...........
................................................. P. kalimpaaensis, new species
CONCLUSION
A total of eight Polypheretima species have been recorded
in Sulawesi, Indonesia, namely, Polypheretima elongata
(Perrier, 1872), P. everetti (Beddard & Fedarb, 1895), P.
phacellotheca (Michaelsen, 1899), P. stelleri (Michaelsen,
1891), and four new species, P. cokelat, P. elongatoides,
P. kalimpaaensis, and P. sahlani. However, the number
of species is far from reecting the rich biodiversity of
Sulawesi. More intensive surveys may reveal more new
species awaiting discoveries.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank Tri Atmowidi, Bambang Suryobroto
(Bogor Agricultural University) and Andi Darmawan (Institut
Teknologi Sumatera), Hari Nugruho (Research Center for
Biology, Indonesia Institute of Science), for his comments to
improve the paper. We would like to thank the head of the
Lore Lindu National Park for the collecting permission. We
thank M. Syarif Indra Gunawan, Evans Madiono, Nurliana
H Laewa, Ardiansyah, Adhi Pranata, Wanda Damayanti,
Fitriana, Auni Ade Putri, Fitrallisan and Sahlan for their
assistance during eldworks. Our thanks are also sent to
Wahyuni for the excellent illustrations of P. elongata. The
paper is supported by the Project “Penelitian Kerja Sama
Antar Perguruan Tinggi” funded by Ministry of Research,
Technology and Higher Education Indonesia.
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