494 

 THE EARTHWORMS OF LAHORE. 



BY 



Baini Pakshad, m.sc, 



{Alfred Patiala Research Student, Zoological Laboratory , 

 Government College, Lahore.) 



( With Plates I and II.) 



The present paper is the outcome of investigations made at the suggestion 

 of my worthy Professor, Lt.-Col. J. Stephenson, d.sc, i.m.s., Professor of 

 Zoology and the Principal of the Government College, Lahore. The 

 work was continued over a year because of the observations on the seasonal 

 prevalence of the various forms, as also the very large collections made. 

 For comparison the collections sent to Lt,-Ool. Stephenson by the Indian 

 Museum for identification were also examined, as also the jDrivate collec- 

 tions of the same distinguished authority. Moreover on the occasion of a 

 visit to the Indian Museum, Calcutta, I was able, through the kindness of 

 Dr. Annandale, Superintendent of the Indian Museum, to examine and 

 compare my specimens with those named by Dr. Michaelsen (2). 



I have to ofl'er my sincere thanks to Lt.-Col. Stephenson for the kind 

 help and advice given all the time while I was engaged on this work and 

 for the facilities given. 



In all, representatives of the genera Helodrilus (Hoffmstr. and Mchlsn.), 

 Fheretima (Kinb. and Mchlsn.), Lampito (Kinb.) were found in Lahore, 

 while two subgenera of the genus Helodrilus, viz., Allolohophora (Eisen 

 and Rosa) and Bimastus (H. F. Moore) were to be found. The various 

 species found are the following : 



1. Helodrilus (allolobo])hora) caliginosus forma trapezoides (Dug.). 



2. Helodrilus {Bimastus) parvus (Eisen). 



3. Fheretima haivayana (Rosa), 



{a) Subspecies typica (Rosa). 



{b) Subspecies barbadensis (Beddard). 



4. Fheretima posthuma (L. Vaill.). 



5. Fheretima heterochcsta (Mchlsn.). 



6. Lampito mauritii (Kinb.). 



The nomenclature followed is that given by Michaelsen (I and 2) except 

 in the case of the two subspecies typica and barbadensis of Fheretima haivay- 

 ana, this is fully treated in remarks at the end of the species. 



Key fok the identification of the vakious genera. 



Clitellum saddle shaped over many segments Helodrilus . 



Clitellum as a ring over three segments, xiv-xvi .... Fheretima. 



Clitellum as a ring over four segments, xiv-xvii. . . .Lampito. 

 The two subgenera Allolobophora and Bimastus can be distinguished by 

 the very small size and reddish colour of Bimastus as compared with very 

 large size and brown colour of Allolobophora. 



Seasonal variation in the numbers of various species of 

 Earthworms. 



In December 1913, when the work of collection was begun, but for a few 

 specimens of Fheretima posthuma found very deep down in moist and shady 

 places, and large numbers of specimens of Fheretima haivayana forma typica 

 usually found under flower pots or large wooden logs or stones, the predom- 

 inant forms were Helodrilus caliginous forma trapezoides and the small 



