New Earthworm Record from Division Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan Supported by Molecular Markers

Abstract

Earthworm diversity and ecology in Pakistan is poorly known, especially in the region of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. An earthworm community survey assisted by genetic barcoding detected an unidentified species which could constitute a new record for Pakistan. Morphological study revealed its identity as Perelia kaznakovi. Additionally, Bayesian phylogenetic inference based on five mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers was performed. Results provided a phylogenetic placement of the genus Perelia within Lumbricidae for the first time, indicating a close relationship with Eophila. This approach should be implemented to Perelia arnoldiana and further representatives of the genus in order to understand their biogeography, diversity and evolutionary history.