Thailandorchestia rhizophila sp. nov., a new genus and species of driftwood hopper (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Protorchestiidae) from Thailand

Abstract

During a scientific survey, a new genus of driftwood hopper was found in mangrove roots in Ko Kut District, Trat Province, Thailand. We placed this new genus, Thailandorchestia gen. nov., within the family Protorchestiidae. The new genus can be distinguished from the remaining genera by uropod 1 outer ramus with robust setae, uropod 2 outer ramus without robust setae, and pereopod 7 basis without a posterodistal lobe. The type species of Thailandorchestia gen. nov., Thailandorchestia rhizophila sp. nov., is described herein, and an updated key to the genera of the family Protorchestiidae is provided.