Porcellidiidae of Australia (Harpacticoida, Copepoda). III. Synopsis of genera and species
Abstract
Three new species belonging to the Porcellidiidae are described. A species from NSW possessing massive honeycomb-like dorsal growths of cuticle, and other features not found elsewhere in the family, has been placed in a new genus, Cereudorsum verrucosum gen. et sp. nov. A second species from Queensland, characterized by unusual features of the male antennule, has been placed in a new genus, as Geddesia quadrata gen. et sp. nov. Porcellidium trisetosum Geddes, 1968 does not fit the diagnosis for Porcellidium and is transferred to Geddesia gen. nov., as G. trisetosa (Geddes, 1968) comb. nov. A third species from the Cocos Keeling Islands is unique in having only one seta on the maxillule endopod. It has been referred to a new genus, as Clunia cocosensis gen. et sp. nov. This brings the total number of genera described from eastern coast of Australia to 16.
A key to the genera, a list of the apomorphic or unique characters of each genus and a check list of the identifiable species of Porcellidiidae is given. The geographical distribution of species along the east coast of Australia is outlined.