This group of earthworms is almost entirely endemic, meaning they have been in New Zealand long enough to evolve into species not found anywhere else in the world.
The Acanthodrilidae family most likely arrived in the Cretaceous period (65–145 million years ago).
Scientists think earthworms came to New Zealand in two waves. It is possible they were among the first animals to colonise the land but they are very slow to evolve. Lumbricidae, Glossoscolecidae (all introduced species)Įarthworms have been in New Zealand for a very long time. Scientific classificationĪcanthodrilidae, Octochaetidae, Megascolecidae (mostly New Zealand native species) However, the earthworms we are most likely to encounter on rainy footpaths or in garden soil are introduced species.
Of these, the majority are both native and endemic, meaning they are found in New Zealand and nowhere else. New Zealand has over 200 known species of earthworms, with new species being identified as they are discovered.
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