Comparative morphology and review of Mytilocyprinid ostracods (Family Cyprididae)

Abstract

The morphology of 14 species of the Australian tribe Mytilocypridini (Family Cyprididae Baird, 1845), grouped within the three genera Australocypris, Mytilocypris and Trigonocypris, is compared in order to find which morphological features are important in their taxonomy at the generic and specific levels of that tribe. The following characteristics are found to be important at the generic level: longitudinal and transverse section of carapace; position of selvage and structure of inner lamella; shell outline; outline of prehensile palps of male first leg; length ratio, ventrodistal hair of first segment to third segment on second leg; fusion between second and third segments of second leg; ratio of claws of furca; ratio of branches of furcal attachment. The following are important at the specific level: shell outline (+ various measurements made on shell); hinge area; prehensile palps of male first leg; hemipenis. A description of five of the species studied (four new to science), and a revision of the others, follow.