Abstract

FRAGOSO, Carlos et al. Protozapotecia unamensis sp. nov. (Annelida: Crasiclitellata: Acanthodrilidae), a new earthworm species from México City fir forests. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2019, vol.90, e902860.  Epub Dec 30, 2019. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2019.90.2860.

Protozapotecia unamensis sp.nov. Fragoso and Rojas is described from Los Dinamos fir forest of south México City. The new species is differentiated from the other species of the genus by combining the presence of prostatic pores in segments 18 and 20 with seminal vesicles in 9 and 12. The new species is a soil dwelling endogeic-geophagous earthworm, with the majority of individuals being found under 10 cm soil depth. Their high resemblance to other species of the genus found in fir forests from Puebla and Veracruz states, suggests that a common ancestor inhabited common and continuous ancient fir forests. Sampling revealed very low abundance and biomass values: 1.7 ind/m2 and 0.22 g/m2, equivalent to 0.61% y 0.53% of the exotic dominated fir forest earthworm communities. Considering its restricted geographical distribution, low abundance, and a habitat threatened by climate change, human activities and presence of exotic worms, this species is considered in high risk of local extinction.

Keywords : Los Dinamos; Río Magdalena Basin; Acanthodrilinae; Diplocardia; Oligochaeta.

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