NO. 3 



NEW EARTHWORMS FROM CHINA GATES 



been responsible for the erection of unnecessary species and for con- 

 siderable confusion in the synonymy. 



Abnormalities probably occur much more frequently in this genus 

 than in most other genera of earthworms and are often of such a 

 nature as to render a particular specimen scarcely recognizable or 

 indeed actually unrecognizable. Considerable taxonomic caution may 

 therefore be necessary not only in connection with unique specimens 

 liut even with whole series or large batches. 



PHERETIMA ABDITA, n. sp. 



Length 8o to 140 mm, diameter 3^ to 6 mm. Setae: vi/30-42, 

 vii/30-44, xvii/14-16, xviii/13-17, xix/16-19, xx/54-69. First dorsal 

 pore in 12/13. Spermathecal pores small, three pairs, in 5/6-7/8. 



Fig. I. — Phcrctima ahdita, new species. Spermathecal diverticulum and portion 

 of spermathecal duct, cleared in lactophenol. X ca. 94. 



Male pores at ventral ends of tubular penes located in eversible, deep 

 parietal invaginations with elongately slitlike apertures. Genital mark- 

 ings paired, presetal on xviii and xix. 



