Occurence of Elaphoidella grandidieri (Guerne and Richard, 1893) (Crustacea: Copepoda: Harpacticoida) in Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia

Abstract

The occurrence of Elaphoidella grandidieri (Guerne and Richard 1893) in Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia, is reported for the first time. The specimens are described and compared with literature data. The Colombian specimens are similar to those of previously described from Japanese populations, presenting strong spinulation of P2 exopod and absent inner seta on the first endopodal segment of P4. Nevertheless, this species presents some differences with the previous report. The present observations support the theory that Elaphoidella grandidieri might be a complex of species, reinforcing the necessity of a revision of the species.