[3] The type species Pontoscolex corethrurus has a circumtropical distribution,[4] although it originates in the Neotropics, probably in the Guiana Plateau.

[2] It reproduces parthenogenetically, and under experimental conditions can complete its life cycle in about one year.

Three pairs of calciferous glands of tubular-dichotomous (panicled) structure are in the segments VII–IX.

Dorsal, ventral, supra- and subesophageal and subneural vessels are present.

The seminal vesicles are usually long and band-like, piercing a number of septa.