Yildiz, N. O. & S. Karaytug. (2024). Disentangling of an Ameira parvula (Claus, 1866) species complex with the description of a new species and remarks on the genus Ameira Boeck, 1865 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Ameiridae). Biharean Biologist. 18 (1): 19-50.

488500

Yildiz, N. O. & S. Karaytug

2024

18 (1): 19-50

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The family Ameiridae is the third most diverse family within Harpacticoida, with 47 genera and up to 300 species. The genus Ameira, with 21 species and four subspecies, presents taxonomic challenges due to poorly defined diagnostic features. Ameira parvula, initially was described by Claus (1866) as Canthocamptus parvulus, and has been subject to taxonomic revisions. Variations in P1 endopod-1 length, A2 exopod segments, and the number of P4 exopod-3 setae have been observed by researchers worldwide. Questions regarding A. parvula's cosmopolitan nature have led to doubts about its distribution. Given the diverse specimens examined in this study from various regions, including the Mediterranean, Aegean Sea, and Black Sea coasts of Türkiye, and material from Russia, England, and Egypt, it becomes evident that A. parvula represents a species complex. The study aims to define the boundaries of species belonging to an A. parvula's species complex based on morphological disparities. This study entails the reexamination of A. parvula specimens from various collections, followed by a comprehensive redescription. This redescription is then juxtaposed with the existing literature on A. parvula, allowing for a thorough reassessment of the previously documented records. This reassessment results in describing two new Ameira species and the reevaluation of A. parvula nana Willey, 1935 as Ameira nana. Furthermore, a comprehensive literature review on the general traits within the genus revealed that A. atlantica mediterranea Noodt, 1958 and A. atlantica atlantica Kunz, 1974 should be relegated to species rank as A. mediterranea Kunz, 1974 and A. atlantica Noodt, 1958, respectively. Additionally, A. lusitanica Galhano, 1970 should be considered as incertae sedis within Harpacticoida.

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