Abstract
FROM facts which have recently come to light, I am led to believe that there is a good deal yet to be learned about the Oligochæts which occur in our wells and water-supplies. It is now many years since I directed attention to the occurrence of Pachydrilus (Lumbricillus) subterraneus, Vejd., in tap-water and elsewhere. The first well-worm to be discovered in the country was named by me Diachaeta curvisetosa. It was afterwards discovered that it belonged to the Haplotaxidæ, and is now known as Haplotaxis curvisetosa, Friend. In spite of Michaelsen's conclusion to the contrary, this is quite a distinct worm from Haplotaxis gordioides, which I have found in this country. Another well-worm, the description of which may be expected to appear shortly in the Quarterly Journal of the Microscopical Society, is Anagaster fontinalis, Friend, which has been found in East Anglia. I have notes of other species of worms found in water, including Rhynchelmis, taken in Hampshire, and some which have not been named for want of perfect material. As I am now engaged on the preparation of a monograph of British Oligochæts, it seems very desirable that our know ledge of this branch of the subject should be perfected, and it would be esteemed a great favour if persons who find worms in their wells, pumps, taps, and water-supply would send me the same for identification and record.
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FRIEND, H. British Well-worms. Nature 104, 5 (1919). https://doi.org/10.1038/104005b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/104005b0
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