Revison of Australian species of Branchinella (Crustacea : Anostraca)

Abstract

The taxonomic utility of various characters is discussed. Generic characters of Branchinella are listed and discussed. The preyiously known number of Australian species of Branchinella is reduced from 19 to 16 by synonymy: material belonging to 15 of these species is studied and taxonomic notes and drawings are provided. Where necessary species are redescribed; four new species are described. Keys are provided to the genera of Australian Anostraca and to the Australian species of the genus Branchinella. The distribution of species and some ecophysiological aspects that may determine distribution are discussed.