DNA barcoding reveals deep genetic divergences in Eisenia lucens (Waga, 1857) and supports Eisenia spelaea (Rosa, 1901) as a separate species (Clitellata: Megadrili)

The European montane earthworm species Eisenia lucens (Waga, 1857) and the Central European Eisenia spelaea (Rosa, 1901) are highly similar morphologically, the only remarkable difference is in the presence of bioluminescence in case of E. lucens. Because of the difficulties in distinguishing the two species, majority of the distribution data is uncertain, and the minimal morphological differences do not necessarily justify the separation of E. spelaea as an independent species. To clarify the taxonomy of the E. spelaea/E. lucens species pair, a molecular phylogenetic analysis was carried out with the use of cytochrome c oxidase I sequences. Our results showed high genetic separation between the two species which confirms the validity of E. spelaea. Moreover, two highly divergent cryptic clades were revealed within E. lucens.