Two new species of Bryocamptus (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae) from the Russian Arctic and comparison with Bryocamptus minutus (Claus, 1863)

Abstract

Two new species of Bryocamptus Chappuis, 1929 from the Russian Arctic from the Bryocamptus minutus species group are described: Bryocamptus putoranus sp. nov. and Bryocamptus abramovae sp. nov. A complete morphological comparison of the new species with the type species Bryocamptus minutus (Claus, 1863) was carried out. Significant interspecific differences were shown at the level of microcharacters, such as integumental sensillae and pores, ornamentation of segments of mouthparts and swimming legs, and pores on swimming legs. A significant correlation has also been shown in the shape of the caudal rami of the females and the antennules of the males, which is likely caused by an evolutionary sexual arms race. Bryocamptus putoranus sp. nov. and B. minutus have a similar structure of caudal rami, but completely different male antennules, which may indicate a convergent origin of modifications and highlights the importance of depicting male antennules in the species descriptions.