Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

<I>Psammaspides williamsi</I> [from Schminke 1974]

Psammaspides williamsi [from Schminke 1974]

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Order ANASPIDACEA Calman, 1904


Compiler and date details

2017 - P.S. Lake, Gary C.B. Poore, Helen M. Lew Ton & S.T. Ahyong

Introduction

The anatomy and natural history of the most common species of anaspidaceans are well known (Schram 1986, Coineau 1996 and numerous references for the species listed here). All species inhabit freshwater from streams, lakes, caves, and in the burrows of parastacid crayfishes. Schminke (1986) listed all the species known, and more recently Coineau (1996) all the genera. Only one family, Stygocarididae, occurs outside Australia, in New Zealand and South America. The order reaches its greatest diversity in south-eastern Australia where all families occur. Williams (1980) provided a key to seven of the eight Australian genera. Family diagnoses are adapted from Schminke (1982) and Coineau (1996) with reference to Schram (1986).

 

Diagnosis

Thoracomere 1 fused to cephalon. Pleonites 1-6 usually separate. Eyes pedunculate, sessile or absent. Antennal statocysts present. Mandibles asymmetrical, left incisor armed with numerous teeth. Paragnaths present. Thoracopod 1 robust, 7- or 8-articled, with ligular exopod, covering mouthparts; thoracopods 2-6 with lamellar exopod; thoracopod 7 with or without exopod; thoracopod 8 flexed in opposite direction to thoracopods 2-7, without exopod and epipod; epipods present on thoracopods 2-7. Seminal receptacle present in female. Pleopod 1 and endopod of pleopod 2 of male associated and forming a petasma. With spermatophores.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
12-May-2011 12-May-2011 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)