Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

<I>Angeliera rivularis</I>

Angeliera rivularis

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Family MICROPARASELLIDAE Karaman, 1933

Introduction

Microparasellids are stygobionts, interstitial in subterranean waters of the continental shelf, sandy beaches and fresh groundwater (Stock 1985). They are found in tropical and warm-temperate regions. Fifty-eight species in four or five genera are described (Coineau 1986; Wilson & Wägele 1994).

There has been debate about whether these ecologically distinct species are separate from the Janiridae at the family level. Wolff (1962) and Schiecke & Fresi (1970) argued that the two families could not be separated while Coineau (1968), Stock (1985), Wilson & Wägele (1994) and earlier authors admitted the validity of the family. We follow the last argument which was used for the only Australian species described. The diagnosis is derived from Wilson & Wägele (1994) who discussed in detail the family's taxonomy, systematic position and zoogeography.

 

Diagnosis

Small (‹2 mm long), slender. Pereonites of similar width; pleonite 1 free, as wide as pereonites. Eyes and chromatophores absent. Antenna 1 flagellum with maximum of 4 articles. Mandibular molar distally acute, without grinding surface, with terminal setae. Pereopod 1 similar to pereopods 2–7, without subchela. Pereopod 2–7 with 3 dactylar claws, accessory seta or claw 3 often reduced or absent. Pleopod 3 endopod with 3 plumose setae (often reduced or absent), exopod slender. Uropodal exopod, when present, inserting subapically on peduncle. Anus terminal, not covered by pleopods.

 

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)
05-Aug-2022 05-Mar-2012 MODIFIED
05-Aug-2022 05-May-2011 MODIFIED
05-Aug-2022 29-Jun-2010 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)