A Taxonomic key of Aquatic Oligochaetes Collected from Central Taiwan

We collected 21 species of aquatic oligochaetes (Annelida: Clitellata) including 4 species of Tubificinae, 11 species of Naidinae, 4 species of Pristininae, 1 species of Rhyacodrilinae, and 1 specie of Enchytraeidae from the rivers and artificial pools of the Taichung water basin, during 2005 and 2007. We identified the specimens under microscopes, with the aid of staining technique and a scanning electronic microscope (SEM). A simple taxonomic key of these local species was established according to conspicuous morphological characteristics such as setae formations. The key will provide a helpful tool regarding the identification of macroinvertebrate for aquatic biodiversity survey programs in Taiwan.