Two novel earthworms of the Pheretima sangirensis group (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from Aurora Province, Philippines

The following two novel species of the genus Pheretima are described from Maria Aurora National Park, Aurora Province, Philippines: Pheretima auroraensissp. n. and Pheretima balerensissp. n. We also describe three putative species-level taxa, but lack sufficient data to assign formal names. All belong to the sangirensis group with one pair of spermathecal pores in 7/8. Pheretima auroraensissp. n. has relatively few setae per segment, 26 at VII, 36 at XX; three setae between male pores and pigmented setal rings. The copulatory bursal opening is surrounded by six wedge-shaped pads. Pheretima balerensissp. n. has relatively abundant setae numbering 45–50 at VII and 61–67 at XX but only 2–6 between the male pores, no ventral setal gap, and striped pigmentation. Two more putative species were found but are not being given formal names. Pheretima sp. 1 has spermathecae in VII (L) and VIII (R), copulatory bursae with ring of wedge-shaped pads; dorsal pigmentation stripes, and setal numbers low for its body size. The spermathecal locations may be an aberration. Pheretima sp. 2 has spermathecae in VIII, copulatory bursae with ring of wedge-shaped pads and an intestinal origin XVII. Pheretima sp. 3. has relatively anterior dorsal pores (9/10), copulatory bursae with an internal glandular mass and pad on roof, ring of five wedge pads surrounding the bursal opening, and very few setae between the male pores. Descriptions of the new species are provided, including illustrations of the ventral view and representative spermathecae. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:05527581-E65F-4191-B779-CEFE339405E1.