A survey on the diversity and distribution of earthworms in higher altitudes of Nilgiris (Tamilnadu: India) during monsoon seasons

Distribution pattern of earthworm fauna in Nilgiris District were studied during North East monsoon and South East monsoons of 2013. The survey was carried out in 26 stations in different elevations ranging from 763 to 2336 meters above msl. 22 Species of earthworms viz., Allolobophora caliginosa, Allolobophora chlorotica, Allolobophora rubida, Drawida species, Drawida grandis, Drawida pellucida, Drawida naduvattemensis, Drawida robusta, Drawida parva, Drawida minuta, Drawida modesta, Drawida chlorina, Eisenia foetida, Eisenia rosea, Lampito mauritii, Lumbricus sp, Megascolex imperatrix, Megascolex ratus, Octolasian cyaneum, Perionyx excavatus, Perionyx saltans, Pheretima sp. belonging to nine genera and three families were recorded. The distribution of different species of earthworms along the altitudinal gradient is discussed.