Taxonomic evaluation of eleven species of Microcyclops Claus, 1893 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) and description of Microcyclops inarmatus sp. n. from America.

Abstract

“Description and meristic analysis of eleven species of Microcyclops recorded in America were performed based on the examination of type specimens and fresh material. Microscopic analysis of oral appendages, such as the shape and armature of the distal coxal endite of the maxilla, the ornamentation on the caudal surface of the antenna, and the intercoxal sclerites and armament of the inner basis of all swimming ap¬pendages, were characteristics that allowed the differentiation between species. Among these species, our study confirmed the synonymy of M. diversus Kiefer, 1935 with M. ceibaensis (Marsh, 1919). The results of our observations showed that M. alius (Kiefer, 1935) is a junior synonym of M. dubitabilis Kiefer, 1934; the latter being confirmed as a valid species. Also, it is proposed that the records of M. rubellus (Lilljeborg, 1901) and M. varicans (Sars, 1863) in America should be revised as there are serious doubts about their distribution in America. The analysis suggested that M. anceps pauxensis Herbst, 1962 is distinct from M. anceps var. minor Dussart, 1984 and that both are likely different from M. anceps anceps (Richard, 1897). Finally a full morphological description of adult females of Microcyclops inarmatus sp. n. is presented.”