The Megascolecidae is a taxonomic family of earthworms which is can be found native in Madagascar, in Australia, New Zealand and both South East Asia and North America. All species of Megascolecidae belong to the Clitellata class.[2] Megascolecidae are a large family of earthworms[3] and they can grow up to 2 meters in length.[4] The intercontinental distribution of Megascolecidae helps in favouring the Continental Drift theory.[5]
The distinctive feature that differs Megascolecidae from other earthworm families is their large size in comparison with other earthworm families. They are an essential part of maintaining soil structure, minor carbon sequestration, and maintaining terrestrial ecosystem balance. Megascolecidae is one of many families Annelida phylum. They live in a terrestrial environment and have a preference for soil with high biomass content, high humidity, and warm temperature. There are many different genera of Megascolecidae and the total number of species is still in the exploration stage.
Different species for Megascolecidae have different physiological features. However, some familiarities of physiological features can be found between species of Megascolecidae.[6] The megascolecidae family are relatively large individuals. In average, the size of earthworms from megascolecidae varies from 1 centimetre and 2 metres in length.[4] The number of spermathecal pores are normally paired or multiple can be present in a species of megascolecidae. The location of spermathecal pores and how they are position in different segmental location is associated with the identification of different megascolecidae species[7]
Earthworm ingest a variety of organic materials that can be found in the soil since they live in terrestrial environments.[8] Earthworm from species Megascolecidae family has the ability to decompose lignocellulose which requires assistance from microorganisms in their digestive system.[9] Aside from microorganism, other things that can be found in earthworms includes digestive enzymes such as amylase, cellulase and proteins in different region of the gut. The chemical digestion mainly occurs in the intestinal caeca of earthworm, these was higher protease activity than in other parts of the gut.[8]
Genital marking of different species in the Megascolecidae family is part of the distinguishing process between species. Thus, genital marking is a unique feature that differs different species from each other.[10]
Megascolecidae are oviparous since they lay eggs in order to reproduce. They are biparental.[11] The ideal condition of reproduction for megascolecidae is 25 °C where the megascolecidae egg hatch the quickest and has the highest cocoon production.[12]