Megascolecidae
Megascolecidae is a family of earthworms native to Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North America. At up to 2 meters in length, their large size distinguishes the Megascolecidae from other earthworm families. They are an essential part of maintaining soil structure, minor carbon sequestration, and maintaining terrestrial ecosystems.
Species
earthworms
FAMILY
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumAnnelida
- ClassClitellata
- OrderCrassiclitellata
- FamilyMegascolecidae
Habitatmarine, brackish, freshwater
via GBIF
Article
8 sectionsContents
- Physiological features
- Reproductive system
- Lifecycle
- Distribution and habitat
- Ecology
- Genera
- References
- External links
Megascolecidae is a family of earthworms native to Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North America. At up to 2 meters in length, their large size distinguishes the Megascolecidae from other earthworm families. They are an essential part of maintaining soil structure, minor carbon sequestration, and maintaining terrestrial ecosystems.
== Physiological features == Different species of the Megascolecidae have different physiological features, but some similarities of physiological features can be found between species. The family contains relatively large individuals. The length of earthworms can vary from to . The number of spermathecal pores is normally paired, but multiples can be present in some species. The location of spermathecal pores and how they are positioned in different segmental locations is used in the identification of different megascolecidids.