Abstract

Based on an extensive survey of Gangetic Plain of Uttar Pradesh during August – October 2008, the communication reports first-hand information on 11 taxa of earthworms belonging to 6 genera and 2 families, that were commonly found in the study area. This constitutes 26.3% of total Indian earthworm fauna. Of these, 4 taxa are exotic with extra Indian origin. The information on their scientific names, family, distribution, locality and voucher specimen no.(s), habitat, soil texture etc are given for each species enumerated in the text. The study contributes first-hand material on earthworm fauna of the study area, thus for neglecting and likely to add more native species to the existing ones which are very specific for vermicomposting process.

Key words: Biodiversity, earthworm, agro-climatic zones, Gangetic Plain, India.