Reappraisal of Australian freshwater bryozoans with two new species of Plumatella (Ectoprocta : Phylactolaemata)

Abstract

Of the 10 species of freshwater bryozoans previously reported from Australia, only Fredericella australiensis, Hyalinella lendenfeldi and Lophopodella carteri can be positively confirmed from existing preserved material. From a survey of all known museum collections of freshwater bryozoans comes compelling evidence that a specimen labelled ‘Plumatella toanensis’ is actually Hyalinella lendenfeldi, including the only known statoblasts of this species. Plumatella agilis is recognised tentatively pending new material. Fredericella sultana, Plumatella emarginata and P. repens are not represented by any known specimens, although they are likely to occur in Australia. Hyalinella punctata and Gelatinella toanensis have been previously reported in error. Two other previously misidentified specimens, including Hyalinella vaihiriae, are now reported as new species: Plumatella velata and P. rieki. A taxonomic key is given for Australian freshwater bryozoan species, including species both verified from Australia and others only presumed to occur there.