Suborder PHORATOPODIDEA Brandt & Poore, 2003

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Suborder PHORATOPODIDEA Brandt & Poore, 2003

Phoratopodidea Brandt, A. & Poore, G.C.B. 2003. Higher classification of the flabelliferan and related Isopoda based on a reappraisal of relationships. Invertebrate Systematics 17: 893-923 [917].

Introduction

The single species, known from a two specimens from South Australia (Hale, 1925), was redescribed by Bruce (1981). While superficially similar to cymothoidans the species has uniquely wide merus–propodus on pereopods 4 and 5 with greatly reduced dactyli. Bruce (1981) noted similarities with some idoteid valviferans. The species was placed in its own suborder by Brandt & Poore (2003).

Diagnosis

Head-pereonite 1 free. Pereopodal coxal dorsal plates 1–6 present; coxal dorsal plate 1 fused to tergite; coxal dorsal plate 7 absent (coxal dorsal plate 6 and pleonal 1 or 2 epimeron in contact); ventral coxal plates 1–7 (medial extension of coxa replacing sternite) obsolete (not distinguished from sternite). Pleotelson incorporating pleonite 6 only, pleonites 1– 5 free. Pleotelson underside flat, without ventrolateral ridges (pleopods not enclosed laterally). Mandibular lacinia mobilis present on both sides; molar flat triangular blade-like or conical process; palp present. Maxilla trilobed. Maxillipedal endite reaching at least distal margin of palp article 2, usually distally truncate and setose. Pereopods 4 and 5 merus–propodus much wider than those of pereopods 2 and 3, with reduced dactyli. Pleopodal exopods uniarticulate. Pleopod 1 biramous. Pleopod 2 biramous. Pleopod 3 biramous; endopod more or less oval or rectangular, rounded distally. Telsonic region of pleotelson elongate, anus situated anteriorly on pleotelson. Uropod situated anterolaterally on pleotelson; peduncle not operculate; rami ventral to pleotelson, articulating from side to side in vertical axis inside branchial chamber.