Megascolecidae | |
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Megascolecidae found in Sai Kung West Country Park, Hong Kong belonging to genus Amynthas | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Annelida |
Clade: | Pleistoannelida |
Clade: | Sedentaria |
Class: | Clitellata |
Order: | Opisthopora |
Suborder: | Crassiclitellata |
Family: | Megascolecidae Rosa, 1891[1] |
Genera | |
Over 65, see text |
Megascolecidae is a family of earthworms native to Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and North America. All species of the Megascolecidae belong to the Clitellata class.[2] The Megascolecidae comprise a large family of earthworms[3] and they can grow up to 2 meters in length.[4] The intercontinental distribution of Megascolecidae species favours the continental drift theory.[5]
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 ecosystem balance. The Megascolecidae are one of many families in the Annelida phylum. They live in a terrestrial environment and have a preference for soil with high biomass content, high humidity, and warm temperature. Many different genera of the Megascolecidae have been described, but the total number of species is still unsettled.