Perspectives in Earthworm Molecular Phylogeny: Recent Advances in Lumbricoidea and Standing Questions

Earthworm systematics have been limited by the small number of taxonomically informative morphological characters and high levels homoplasy in this group. However, molecular phylogenetic techniques yielded significant improvements earthworm taxonomy last 15 years. Several different approaches based on use markers, sequencing techniques, compromises between specimen/taxon coverage information recently emerged (DNA barcoding, multigene phylogenetics, mitochondrial genome analysis, transcriptome targeted enrichment methods, reduced representation techniques), providing solutions to evolutionary questions regarding European earthworms. Molecular phylogenetics led advances being made Lumbricidae systematics, such as redefinition or discovery new genera (Galiciandrilus, Compostelandrilus, Vindoboscolex, Castellodrilus), delimitation revision previously existing (Kritodrilus, Eophila, Zophoscolex, Bimastos), changes status subspecific taxa (such Allolobophorachaetophora complex). These enabled identification problems that can be resolved including Aporrectodea, Allolobophora, Helodrilus, Dendrobaena, well examination Perelia, Eumenescolex, Iberoscolex. Similar with family Hormogastridae, which integrative contributed description several species, (formerly) cryptic species. At level, provided a genus system better reflects diversity biogeography these earthworms, comparative methods provide insight into macroevolution. Despite achievements, further research should performed Tyrrhenian complexes, are special eco-evolutionary interest. examples highlight potential value applying other families, very diverse occupy terrestrial habitats across world. The systematic implementation encouraged among expert groups worldwide, emphasis collaboration cooperation.