Redescription of extinct New Zealand earthworm: Tokea orthostichon (Schmarda, 1861) (Annelida, Oligochaeta, Megadrilacea, Megascolecidae)

Abstract

The first native earthworm formally described from Australasia, Tokea orthostichon (Schmarda, 1861), also has the distinction of now being classed extinct. Lingering doubts about its identity have been largely dismissed due to inspection of primary type (Vienna) and of other museum specimens (Hamburg, London) that have been erroneously claimed as such.