Two new genera and species of chiltoniid amphipods (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Talitroidea) from freshwater mound springs in South Australia
Date
2009
Authors
King, R.
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Advisors
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Type:
Journal article
Citation
Zootaxa, 2009; 2009(2293):35-52
Statement of Responsibility
Rachael A. King
Conference Name
Abstract
Amphipods within the family Chiltoniidae are an abundant yet taxonomically poorly known member of Australian freshwater habitats. With only four species known from Australia, the group is inadequately defined and marked by taxonomists as difficult to identify. Recent molecular analyses of chiltoniids from mound springs in South Australia detected several distinct species, prompting a morphological revision of material from the central and southern Lake Eyre region. Clear groups defined by unique combinations of morphological characters (focusing on uropodal, coxal, male gnathopod 2, and antennal morphology) were found that closely correlated with clades found in the molecular analyses. Arabunnachiltonia n. gen. is established for A. murphyi n. sp. from Strangways Springs in South Australia. Wangiannachiltonia n. gen. is established for W. guzikae n. sp. from Davenport Springs in South Australia. The chiltoniid genera are discussed and a key is presented to the known Australian species.