Revision of the genus Neoscolecithrix (Copepoda, Calanoida) and description of N. caetanoi, sp. n., collected off Brazil

Abstract

The genus Neoscolecithrix is redefined and its situation in the lamily is discussed.The

Two species of benthopelagic calanoid copepods of the genusNeoscolecithrixCanu, 1896 s.s. from New Zealand and the segregation ofCenognathan. gen.

“…The male mouthparts of Neoscolecithrix s.l. are similar to those of the female in both Groups I and II (Fosshagen 1972;Alvarez 1985), a condition found in the Tharybidae, but unlike most Scolecitrichidae, in which male mouthparts are usually, but not always, reduced (Bradford-Grieve et al 1999). Similar differences between Neoscolecithrix s.l.…”

“…As recognised by Alvarez (1985), this adult female is similar to N. magna (Grice, 1972) in its large size, general form and many details, especially the endopod of the maxilla and the terminal part of the gnathobase. A notable feature of the south-west Pacific specimen is the large scales on the urosome.…”

“…Status of Group II I concur with the reviews that divide Neoscolecithrix s.l. into two groups (Alvarez 1985;Hulsemann 1985): Group I (N. caetanoi, N. koehleri, N. magna, and N. ornata n. sp.…”

“…The currently examined samples were taken from the upper slope of the south-eastern coast of North Island using a plankton net with a 250 |J.m mesh suspended from the warps to the trawl boards on a 28 m vessel Kaharoa (see Bradford-Grieve 2001). Among the calanoid copepods taken in these samples were two species of Neoscolecithrix Canu, 1896. Simultaneously Alvarez (1985) and Hulsemann (1985) reviewed the species in Neoscolecithrix and noted that they fall into two groups. The genus Neoscolecithrix contains the following species: Group I: N. caetanoi Alvarez, 1985;N.…”

“…Among the calanoid copepods taken in these samples were two species of Neoscolecithrix Canu, 1896. Simultaneously Alvarez (1985) and Hulsemann (1985) reviewed the species in Neoscolecithrix and noted that they fall into two groups. The genus Neoscolecithrix contains the following species: Group I: N. caetanoi Alvarez, 1985;N. koehleri Canu, 1896(= Oothrix bidentata Farran, 1905; N. magna (Grice, 1972); and Neoscolecithrix sp.…”