ABSTRACT
The genus Octodrilus includes a well-defined group of lumbricid species and has a relatively simple history. Örley (1895) established the genus Octolasion for lumbricids with eight widely paired rows of setae, regardless of pigment. Pop (1941, 1944), on phylogenetic considerations, modified the diagnosis of the genus, keeping in it only species without red pigment. Omodeo (1956), based mostly on the number of spermathecae, divided the genus into the subgenera Octolasium and Octodrilus, which were raised to the rank of genera by Bouché (1971). Zicsi (1986), based on the position of male pores, divided the latter into the genera Octodrilus and Octodriloides. For the time being, I consider them subgenera. 1
In this conception, the genus Octodrilus, Omodeo (1956) includes medium sized to very large earthworms, without pigment in hues of grey or brown, with widely paired setae, four pairs of seminal vesicles, and five to eight pairs of spermatheca. Clitellar organs are highly constant and characteristic for this species.
