Dichogaster saliens (Beddard, 1893)

James, Samuel W. & Divina, Gildas Brice, 2012, Earthworms (Clitellata: Acanthodrilidae, Almidae, Eudrilidae, Glossoscolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae) of the coastal region of Gamba, Ogooué-Maritime Province, southwestern Gabon, Zootaxa 3458, pp. 133-148 : 148

Dichogaster saliens (Beddard, 1893)

Material. USNM 1180255 , clitellate, Gamba Complex , Gabon in leaf axils of Pandanus plants in swamp between low forested dune ridges of coastal plain at 2.80055°S, 10.04411°E, 13 m asl., 17, 18 May 2008; S. James, G. Divina, G. Moussavou and L. Tchignoumba, colls .

These two small species of Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) are widespread invasives in tropical and subtropical climates, as well as in greenhouses and other protected areas in cold climates (see Blakemore 2006 for synonymy and distributions). Their presence in Gamba is potentially natural, because they are both African. They were found in low numbers among the leaf axils of arborescent Pandanus plants growing in standing water. The site was close to the road that was the probable source of P. corethrurus introduction, so it is possible these species were introduced the same way. During the dry season the swamp might not have standing water, enabling these small non-aquatic worms to find their way to the bases of the plants and eventually to the leaf axils.