Lynceus amplopedia sp. nov., A New Laevicaudatan Clam Shrimp with Asymmetrically Modified Thoracopods from Yunnan, China (Crustacea: Branchiopoda)
Laevicaudata has a nearly global distribution, but only a few records from China. We present a new Lynceus (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Laevicaudata) species, Lynceus amplopedia sp. nov., from Yunnan, China, which shows significant left-right differences in some non-clasper thoracopods. It can be distinguished from all congeners by asymmetrically modified thoracopods III–VI. In the ‘explanate modified’ side (usually the left side, occasionally the right) the following modifications are present: endites 4, 5, and endopod enlarged (explanate) (thoracopods III and IV); exopod with 14–15 digitiform processes dorsomedially (thoracopods V and VI); and broad muscular basis (thoracopods III–V). The following modifications are seen in the thoracopods of the opposing ‘spinose modified’ side (usually the right side, occasionally the left): endite 4 with robust, specialized spines medially (thoracopods V and VI); endite 3 elongate protruding (thoracopod VI), and broad muscular basis (thoracopod V). Other unique characters of the new species include: male and female rostrum sinuate, compound eyes protruding, male claspers with endopod constricted, and endite 3 with two scale patches. We suggest the modified thoracopods may be involved in mating and/or respiration. The diversity of Chinese Lynceus is also discussed.
Keywords
Laevicaudata, Diversity, New species, Modified thoracopods, Lateral asymmetry.
