Ufocandona, Külköylüoğlu & Yavuzatmaca & Akdemir & Schwartz & Hutchins, 2017

Külköylüoğlu, Okan, Yavuzatmaca, Mehmet, Akdemir, Derya, Schwartz, Benjamin F. & Hutchins, Benjamin T., 2017, Ufocandona hannaleeae gen. et sp. nov. (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from an artesian well in Texas, USA, European Journal of Taxonomy 372, pp. 1-18 : 4-5

Genus Ufocandona gen. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:5E64ABC9-C598-4A4B-B257-C92053E419FD

Type species

Ufocandona hannaleeae gen. et sp. nov. (genus presently monotypic).

Diagnosis

In lateral view, carapace strongly asymmetrical: RV sub-triangular, dorsal margin sloping posteriorly; LV rounded, overlapping RV ( Figs 2 A–F, 7A–B). Only known species small (<0.5 mm). LV with prolongation (flange) extending dorsally ( Fig. 2 A–B, E). RV with thin spines around marginal zone, except hinge ( Fig. 2 C–D). Maximum height just anterior to center. In dorsal view ( Figs 3A , 7B ), carapace laterally tumid, greatest width around center, both ends laterally compressed, beak-shaped ( Fig. 7B ). Hinge adont. Valve surface slightly smooth at center, but ornamented with semi-hexagonal structures around marginal zones. Shallow pits common in both sexes and juveniles. Central muscle scars not visible on valve surface ( Fig. 2 ), but two dorsal muscle scars present medio-dorsally ( Figs 2E , 3 C–E). Two inner lists present on inner lamella ( Fig. 2E ). Anterior and posterior marginal areas of LV with 5–6 and 3–4 round tubercles on first list, respectively. Second list shorter than first one. Calcified inner lamella (duplicature) about similar in width anteriorly and posteriorly. Uncalcified inner lamella wide.

A1 8-segmented. A2 4-segmented in both sexes. Exopod with two very short setae in males and all claws (G1–3, GM, Gm) present on A2 of females. Swimming (natatory) setae absent, as in all Candoninae . Setae t1–4 absent on A2 (diagnostic character).

Md-palp 4-segmented, without alpha, beta or gamma setae (diagnostic character). Mxl palp long, with 2+2 well developed smooth setae; two setae extending from apical corner of first segment, and two (one shorter) on terminal segment.

T1 modified into clasping organs in males. T2 5-segmented, with one well developed d1 seta. T3 4-segmented, with one seta (d1) on first segment (protopodite). Uropod with thin, spine-like terminal seta (diagnostic character). Hemipenis with rounded medial lobe (h), inner lobe (b) spatula-shaped, outer lobe (a) with triangular end pointing ventrally (diagnostic character). M-process faintly seen, part-g strongly curved. Zenker organ with 4+2 rings of spines.

Etymology

The acronym UFO is combined with the generic name Candona as Ufocandona , referencing the similarity of the carapace to the stereotypic “flying saucer” shape of “Unidentified Flying Objects”.

Figures

Fig. 2. Ufocandona hannaleeae gen. et sp. nov. A. LV of ♀, external view. B. RV of ♂, external view. C. Posterior end of RV with spines in ♂. D. Anterior end of RV in ♂ (note broken part). E. LV of ♀ with tubercles, internal view (note broken part in the center). F. RV of ♂, internal view. Arrows indicate anterior end. Scale bars: A–B, E–F =100 µm; C–D =20 µm.

Fig. 3. Ufocandona hannaleeae gen. et sp. nov. A. Dorsal view of ♂ (arrow indicates anterior end). B. Normal pore opening with sensory seta. C. Soft body parts of ♂. D. Rear end of body, ♂; the thin arrow points to the four tiny setal groups on T3, the thick arrow to the distal end of T3. E. Ends of adductor muscles. Scale bars: A=100 µm; B=20 µm; C–E =10 µm.

Fig. 7. Ufocandona hannaleeae gen. et sp. nov., ♀. A. External view of carapace from right side (note the dorsal flange on LV). B. Carapace in dorsal view. Both in transmitted light. Not to scale.