XIV. LITTORAL OLIGOCHAETA FROM THE 



CHILKA LAKE ON THE EAST 



COAST OF INDIA. 



By J. Stephenson, D.Sc, Major, I. M.S., Prof, 

 of Biology, Government College, Lahore. 



On the occasion of a recent visit to Calcutta, Dr. Annandale 

 handed over to me for examination three specimens of a worm, 

 which had recently been taken at the Chilka Lake during a pre- 

 liminary survey of that area. I subsequently received in Lahore 

 four more captures of Oligochaete worms, taken during the more 

 detailed investigation of the lake. Three of these were specifically 

 identical with the specimens I had examined in Calcutta, and 

 represent a species of Pontodrilus which I identify with P. ephip- 

 piger , Rosa. Since, however, the specimens show a considerable 

 amount of variation among themselves, as well as some minor 

 differences from the form with which I identif}^ them, I give a fairl}'- 

 complete description below 



The remaining batch of specimens, which I identify with 

 Criodrihis lacinim, Hoffmstr., consisted of a very large number of 

 individuals ; but unfortunately I failed to find any which showed 

 the least external mark of sexual maturity. However I dissected 

 two of the best-grown specimens, and fortunately found the geni- 

 tal organs in an early stage of development. But as under these 

 conditions there must be at least a slight element of doubt in the 

 specific, if not generic, diagnosis, I have given here also a number 

 of descriptive details, in order that the result may be amenable to 

 criticism if necessary. 



General Remarks. 



The occurrence of Criodrilus tacimm is interesting, since the 

 family (Glossoscolecidae) to which it belongs is represented in 

 India, so far as hitherto known, by only two or three species. 

 The nearest locality to India from which this species has previously 

 been reported is, I think, the Lake of Tiberias in Palestine (Ste- 

 phenson, 10 from specimens collected by Annandale); and along 

 with this may be mentioned several places in Syria (Rosa, 8). This 

 is of interest in view of Annand ale's recent remarks (i) concern- 

 ing the relationship between the faunas of India and of the Jordan 

 Valley. Criodrilus lacuum, as its name implies, has a limnic habi- 

 tat; I am not aware whether it has previously been recorded 

 from any locality which could be described as ' littoral,' though 

 the Lake of Tiberias of course contains a high percentage of salt. 

 For the rest, it occurs principally in Central Europe. 



The genus Pontodrilus has been recorded twice previously 

 from the Indian region. The references are to P. bermudensis , 



