Phylogeny of the taxon Paralaophontodes Lang (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontodinae), including species descriptions, chorological remarks, and a key to species

Abstract

A detailed phylogenetic analysis of the taxon Paralaophontodes Lang (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontodinae Lang) based on morphological characters is presented. The monophylum Paralaophontodes is supported by 16 unambiguous autapomorphies such as the presence of characteristic dorsal processes on cephalothorax and body somites, a 5-segmented male antennule, the loss of the syncoxal seta on the maxilliped, and the endopodal strengthening of the first swimming leg. The corresponding extensive phylogenetic evaluation includes the description of Paralaophontodes anjae sp. n. from a beach on Chiloé Island (Chile), the re-description of Laophontodes armatus Lang, and the re-establishment of Paralaophontodes robustus (Bŏzić), the displacement of Laophontodes armatus, L. hedgpethi Lang and L. psammophilus Soyer to Paralaophontodes, a discussion on relationships within that taxon, remarks on its geographical distribution, and a key to the species.