Revision of the taxonomic position of Pseudocypretta Klie, 1932 (Ostracoda: Cyprididae), with a redescription of P. maculata Klie, 1932

Pseudocypretta maculataKlie, 1932, type species of the genus, is redescribed based on new material from Thailand. The main diagnostic features of the species are the presence of marginal septa, presence of Wouters organ on the first antenna, strongly serrated claw G2 of the second antenna (A2), small β seta on the mandibular palp, elongated terminal segment of the maxillular palp, smooth and large bristles on the third endite of the maxillula, undivided penultimate segment of the second thoracopod (T2), absence of d1 seta on the T2, completely separated terminal segment of the third thoracopod, absence of a pincer organ, and reduced caudal ramus with a triangular base. The taxonomic position of PseudocyprettaKlie, 1932 is also revised. Based on molecular analysis using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), Pseudocypretta appears closer to Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900 than to Cyprettinae Hartmann, 1971. This result is congruent with morphological evidence and, among other cypridopsine genera, Pseudocypretta shows highest similarity with CyprettadopsisSavatenalinton, 2020 given its reduced caudal ramus, the strongly serrated claw G2 of the A2, absence of pincer organ, and presence of marginal septa. Pseudocypretta is therefore allocated to the tribe Cyprettadopsini Savatenalinton, 2020

On the occurrence of Metadiaptomus chevreuxi (Calanoida, Diaptomidae, Paradiaptominae) in the Iberian Peninsula, with notes on the ecology and distribution of its European populations

Temporary ponds are one of the most peculiar ecosystems in the world, being characterized by an extraordinarily rich crustacean fauna, with a high degree of endemism. Among them, diaptomid copepods are among the most biogeographically interesting taxa. However, the present knowledge on diaptomid distribution is still far from being exhaustive, even in the relatively well-studied western European countries. In this study, we report the first record of the diaptomid calanoid copepod Metadiaptomus chevreuxi for the Iberian Peninsula, where it was collected in five temporary ponds in Andalusia (Spain). The characteristics of the new sites are described, the literature dealing with the European localities of the species is reviewed, and a molecular phylogenetic tree has been built, based on new and previously available mitochondrial DNA sequences, thus expanding the knowledge on the ecology and phylogeography of this rare species. The species mainly occupies small isolated temporary ponds in (semi-)arid regions, suggesting adaptations to unpredictable aquatic habitats. The existence of two molecular clades separating the Iberian from the Sicilian and Tunisian populations supports the existence of a longitudinal long-term disjunction, whereas the north-south flow is probably facilitated by migrating birds. Further research on the biota of the small water bodies of the western Mediterranean area may help to expand our knowledge on rare aquatic species, such as M. chevreuxi, and to better interpret their natural history