Terrestrial Earthworms of India

This chapter provides an indication of the Oligochaeta (terrestrial earthworms) across India comprising 28 states and 8 Union Territories, making a total of 36 states, cataloging 459 species from 68 genera and 10 families, along with detailed information on geographic distribution, family-wise species photographs, collection and preservation techniques, and identification methods. We also provide in this chapter an account of endemic species of earthworms in India and invasive earthworm species, highlighting the impact on native biodiversity, ecological consequences of earthworm invasions, and management strategies for invasive earthworms.