Mediterranean conquerors: neotypification and phylogeography of the widely distributed earthworms Aporrectodea trapezoides and Octodrilus complanatus (Lumbricidae: Crassiclitellata).

This article focuses on the taxonomic clarification and molecular delimitation of two widely distributed Mediterranean earthworm species, *Aporrectodea trapezoides* and *Octodrilus complanatus*, through the designation and genetic characterization of neotypes from their type locality in Montpellier, France. Molecular phylogenetic and phylogeographical analyses revealed that *Octodrilus complanatus* comprises three cryptic lineages with distinct geographic distributions in the Mediterranean region, while *Aporrectodea trapezoides* sensu stricto corresponds to a Mediterranean lineage distinct from a Eurosiberian lineage, which is proposed to be recognized as *Aporrectodea borellii*. The study highlights differences in reproductive modes, ecological roles, and phylogeographical patterns between these species and their lineages, suggesting historical human-mediated dispersal, particularly by the Romans, as a factor influencing their distribution. These findings provide a refined taxonomic framework and molecular reference for future ecological and conservation research on these ecologically significant earthworms.