Haptolana pholeta, sp. nov., The first subterranean flabelliferan isopod crustacean (Cirolanidae) from Australia

Abstract

The genus Haptolana Bowman, 1966 is rediagnosed, and is characterised by the unique synapomorphy of pereopods 2–7 having an expanded propodus, the palm of which contains a V-shaped series of spines and a haptorial dactylus which folds in between these spines. Haptolana pholeta, from anchialine waters on Barrow Island, Western Australia, is described, and is distinguished from the two other species of Haptolana in possessing a frontal lamina that is anteriorly rounded, that separates the antennule bases and is visible in dorsal view.