The major megadrile families of the World reviewed again on their taxonomic types (Annelida: Oligochaeta: Megadrilacea)

A critique of recent clado-molecular phylogenies notes shortcomings of starting materials, methods applied, and, therefore, their conclusions; hence this review. A new group, Exquisiclitellata, is newly defined as those 'non-crassiclitellate' members of the superorder Megadrilacea (viz., Moniligastridae Claus, 1880, plus Alluroididae Michaelsen, 1900 and Syngenodrilidae Smith & Green, 1919). Support for restitution and elevation of American Diplocardiinae Michaelsen, 1900 and Argilophilini Fender & McKey-Fender, 1990 are again raised. ICZN priority requires revival of Typhoeus Beddard, 1883 over synonym Eutyphoeus Michaelsen, 1900 and the sub-family Typhoeinae (corr. of Typhaeinae Benham, 1890) is re- established. Hoplochaetellinae sub-family nov. is proposed as a development of Octochaetidae s. lato in India. Wegeneriellinae sub-fam. nov. accommodates the holoic members of a restricted Neogastrini Csuzdi, 1996 from W. Africa and S. America. Caribbean family Exxidae Blakemore, 2000 and related Trigastrinae Michaelsen, 1900 are both retained. A contingency table of Megascolecidae s. stricto sub-families and types is presented with some revived and a few new sub- families proposed, particularly from Australasia. These are Diporochaetinae, Megascolidesinae, Celeriellinae, and Woodwardiellinae sub-fams. nov. Synonymy of Perichaetidae Claus, 1880 over Megascolecidae Rosa, 1891 is deferred for reasons of nomenclatural stability. For the large African family Eudrilidae Claus, 1880, a new sub-family, Polytoreutinae, is advanced and the status of abandoned Teleudrilini Michaelsen, 1891 and overlooked Hippoperidae Taylor, 1949 are noted.