Proserpinicaris karanovici, Totakura, Venkateswara Rao, Reddy, Yenumula Ranga & Shaik, Shabuddin, 2014

Totakura, Venkateswara Rao, Reddy, Yenumula Ranga & Shaik, Shabuddin, 2014, Three new species of Parastenocarididae (Crustacea, Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from India, Zootaxa 3821 (5), pp. 501-537 : 526-529

Proserpinicaris karanovici n. sp.

(Figs. 15–20)

Type locality. Farm bore in the riparian zone of the River Krishna at Kunchanapalli village (16º23′42.1″N, 80º32′28.2″E, elevation 8.9 m; water temperature 26ºC, pH 7.0), 3 km from Vijayawada city in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh ( Fig 1 a).

Type material examined. Holotype male (MNHN-IU-2013-11935) and allotype female (MNHN-IU-2013- 11936), dissected on 3 slides each; 4 paratypes: 1 paratype male (MNHN-IU-2013-11937), dissected on 2 slides; 1 male (MNHN-IU-2013-11938) and 2 females (MNHN-IU-2013-11939–11940), whole-mounted on 1 slide each. 4 January 2010, Coll. V. R. Totakura.

Other material examined. India, Andhra Pradesh, Guntur District, 1 male and 2 females collected from the type locality; 15 December 2013, Coll. V. R. Totakura.

Description of adult male. Total body length, measured from tip of rostrum to posterior margin of caudal rami (excluding caudal setae), 522 Μm. Preserved specimens colourless. Naupliar eye absent. Habitus (Fig. 15a) with thin cuticle, smooth and not pitted, cylindrical and slender, without any podoplean demarcation between prosome and urosome; prosome/urosome ratio about 0.8 in lateral view; greatest width at fifth pedigerous somite in lateral view; free pedigerous somites 2–4 gradually increasing in size. Body length/width ratio about 8.3. Cephalothorax about as wide as genital somite in lateral view, 18.9% of body length. Free pedigerous somites with narrow arthrodial membranes. Hyaline fringes of all somites smooth, very narrow and hard to distinguish from arthrodial membranes. Integument smooth, ornamented only with sensilla, spinules and with single rectangular dorsal cuticular window on cephalothorax and vague elliptical cuticular window each on urosomites 2–5. Pleural areas of cephalothorax and free pedigerous somites present, cephalic appendages and coxae of swimming legs partly exposed in lateral view (Fig. 15a). Rostrum ( Fig. 16 a) small, membranous, about as long as wide, linguiform, fused at base, ornamented with 2 large dorsal sensilla, reaching about end of first antennular segment.

Cephalothorax (Fig. 15a) subquadrate in lateral view, about 1.5 times as long as wide in lateral view and 21.3% of total body length. Surface of cephalic shield ornamented with sensilla and 1 elliptical, smooth window in distal half; 4 pairs of sensilla around window; 3 pairs of sensilla on either side and 1 pair at base of antennule. Second pedigerous somite 0.9 times as wide as posterior half of cephalothorax in dorsal view, with 3 pairs of large sensilla (1 dorsal and 1 lateral, 1 ventral). Third pedigerous somite slightly wider than second one, with 3 pairs of large sensilla. Fourth pedigerous somite slightly wider and longer than third prosomite, with only 3 pairs of large posterior sensilla.

Urosome (Fig. 15a, b): urosomites gradually narrowing posteriorly, with poorly developed dorsal hyaline frills, hard to distinguish from arthrodial membranes between urosomites. Urosomites 2–5 each with elliptical cuticular window, and 1–3 each ornamented with 4 pairs of large posterior sensilla (2 dorsal, 1 lateral, 1 ventral). Fourth urosomite with 3 pairs of large posterior sensilla. Preanal somite slightly narrower and longer than fourth urosomite, without any surface ornamentation in dorsal view. Anal somite about as long as wide and slightly narrower than preanal somite, ornamented with 2 large dorsal sensilla at base of anal operculum, 1 cuticular pore on either side and 1 row of spinules on ventro-distal margin, of which 1 spinule large. A large, longitudinally placed spermatophore (Fig. 15a) visible through cuticle of fifth pediger and genital somite, about 3.1 times as long as wide, bean-shaped, with narrow and curved neck. Anal operculum well developed, distal margin convex, not reaching posterior end of anal somite, representing 68% of somite's width. Anal sinus wide; ornamented with 2 diagonal rows of slender spinules.

Caudal rami (Fig. 15a, b): subcylindrical, sub-proximally dilated on inner margin and gradually tapering, about 2.6 times as long as greatest width in ventral view, 2.2 times in lateral view, and about 1.2 times as long as anal somite, slightly divergent, with space between them being about half the maximum width of ramus; armed with 6 setae (seta II absent) and ornamented with posterior row of spinules on ventral margin and 1 disto-lateral cuticular pore. Lateral setae (I and III) located at 2/5 of ramus length, unequal. Dorsal seta (VII) inserted at about 3/4 of, and close to, inner margin, nearly 1.3 times as long as caudal ramus, plumose, biarticulate basally. Inner apical seta (VI) smooth, inserted close to ventral margin, about 0.7 times as long as ramus. Middle apical seta (V) strongest, without breaking plane, bipinnate, about 2.4 times as long as ramus, pointing distally, with straight tip. Outer apical seta (IV) greatly reduced, smooth, only about 0.3 times as long as ramus length, inserted close to dorsal surface and pointing postero-laterally.

Antennule ( Fig. 16 b): 8-segmented, slightly longer than cephalothorax, slender, prehensile, strongly digeniculate, geniculation between third and fourth, and sixth and seventh segments; last 2 segments directed distally (‘coiled type’). First segment very short, ornamented with 1 row of tiny spinules. Segments 3–5 moderately dilated, fifth segment without any proximal spiniform process on anterior surface; aesthetasc elongate with blunt tip, reaching mid-length of ultimate segment, fused basally to simple seta; short and slender apical aesthetasc on ultimate segment, fused basally to 2 setae (acrotheck). Setal formula: 0.6.4.1.5+aes.2.0.9+aes. All setae slender and smooth except 1 spiniform seta on third segment; proximalmost seta on second segment unipinnate, with extremely long setules along outer margin. Length ratios of antennular segments, along medial axis, 1.0: 3.1: 1.1: 0.3: 1.2: 1.1: 1:1.

Antenna ( Fig. 16 c): composed of coxa, allobasis, 1-segmented exopod and 1-segmented endopod. Coxa very short, unarmed and unornamented. Allobasis about 3.5 times as long as maximum width, unarmed but ornamented with 2 arched rows of spinules on anterior surface. Exopod slender, cylindrical, about 5 times as long as wide, unornamented, and armed with 1 unipinnate apical seta, which is 2.3 times as long as segment. Endopod 0.4 times as long as allobasis and about twice as long as wide, with surface frill subdistally, ornamented with 2 longitudinal spinular rows on inner margin, armed laterally with 2 short, bipinnate, unequal spines and apically with 5 strong elements (2 spines, 2 geniculate setae and 1 unipinnate transformed seta).

Labrum ( Fig. 16 d): large and subtriangular in ventral view, with narrow and arched cutting edge, and 1 row of elongate spinules on ventral surface.

Mandible ( Fig. 16 e, f): gnathobase with narrow cutting edge on elongated coxa, armed with 2 complex teeth ventrally, 1 unipinnate seta dorsally, and several smaller teeth. Palp 1-segmented, cylindrical, about 4.2 times as long as wide, unornamented, armed apically with 2 smooth apical setae.

Maxillule ( Fig. 16 g): with relatively large praecoxa; praecoxal arthrite about 3.2 times as long as wide; no ornamentation on posterior surface; armed with 3 strong, smooth, apical spinous processes and 1 subapical stout spiniform seta. Coxal endite armed with 2 smooth setae apically. Basis slightly longer than coxal endite, armed with 3 smooth apical setae.

Maxilla ( Fig. 16 h): composed of syncoxa, basis, and 1-segmented endopod. Syncoxa with 2 endites, basal one short, armed with 1 apical smooth, fused seta; distal endite armed with 1 smooth seta and 1 unipinnate seta apically. Allobasis prolonged into strong unipinnate claw, without seta at base. Endopod short, with 2 unequal setae.

Maxilliped ( Fig. 16 i): syncoxa short and relatively strong, unarmed and unornamented; basis slender, 5.4 times as long as wide, unornamented and unarmed; endopod small, with unipinnate claw, about 0.5 times as long as basis.

Leg 1 ( Fig. 17 a): coxa with 1 circlet of spinules on posterior surface. Basis smaller than coxa, ornamented with 1 row of large spinules along outer margin and another row of spinules between exopod and endopod ventrally, and 1 pore proximally; armed with 1 slender, short seta on outer margin. Exopod 3-segmented; first segment armed with 1 outer bipinnate spine, 0.9 times as long as next 2 segments combined and 4 elements on third segment (1 outer spine, 1 apical seta and 2 apical geniculate setae); ornamented with few large spinules along outer margin. Endopod 2-segmented, longer than exopod; first segment longer than proximal 2 exopodal segments combined, ornamented with 1 row of elongate spinules on subdistal inner margin, 2 rows of short spinules on outer margin; second endopodal segment ornamented with 1 row of spinules on mid-outer margin and armed apically with 1 long geniculate seta and 1 short spine; geniculate seta 1.2 times as long as entire endopod, almost 2.1 times as long as outer spine on endopod, about as long as inner geniculate seta on exopod. All exopodal and endopodal armature elements unipinnate along outer margin except bipinnate spine on first exopodal segment.

Leg 2 ( Fig. 17 b): coxa large, ornamented with 1 transverse row of small spinules on posterior outer margin. Basis ornamented with 1 row of spinules near anterior inner margin, 1 pore on mid-dorsal surface and unarmed. Exopod 3-segmented; ornamented with 1 row of spinules along outer margins of all segments and hyaline frill at inner distal corner of first and third segments; second segment with 1 row of spinules at inner distal corner; first segment 0.8 times as long as next 2 segments combined and armed with 1 outer bipinnate spine; second segment unarmed; third segment as long as second one, armed with 3 long setae (1 subapical unipinnate and 2 apical bipinnate setae); innermost seta about as long as exopod. Endopod 1-segmented, cylindrical and almost 6 times as long as wide, reaching 1/3 of first exopodal segment in length, ornamented with 2 spinules on distal end, and armed apically with 1 smooth seta, which is about as long as segment and pointing outwards.

Leg 3 ( Fig. 17 c): characteristically straight; coxa trapezoidal, ornamentation not discernible. Basis rectangular but produced into 1 lobe-like structure at inner distal corner in anterior view; ornamented with 1 oblique row of unequal spinules near outer margin, 2 rows of small spinules near inner proximal margin, 1 pore proximally; armed with long, slender outer seta, which is articulate at base. Endopod represented by short, sturdy spiniform structure, inserted at 2/3 of inner margin. Exopod modified, fused; proximal ancestral segment subquadrate; ornamented with 1 row of 3 small spinules on outer distal margin; apophysis doubly curved, claw-like and unornamented; thumb dagger-shaped, membranous, distinct at base, slightly dilated subproximally, and 1.5 times as long as apophysis; 1 narrow hyaline membrane at about mid-inner margin on lateral margins.

Leg 4 ( Fig. 17 d, e): coxa rhomboidal, ornamented with 1 row of spinules posteriorly. Basis trapezoidal, ornamented with 1 row of spinules on anterior surface, 1 row on outer proximal margin, and 1 pore on proximal surface; armed with moderately long outer seta. Exopod slender, elongate, 3-segmented, ornamented with spinules only along outer margin; first segment 0.6 as long as next 2 segments combined; hyaline frill at inner distal corner of first and third segments, second segment with 1 row of spinules at inner distal corner; first segment armed with strong bipinnate outer spine subdistally; second segment unarmed; third segment slightly longer than second one and armed with 1 outer spine and 1 inner, apical bipinnate seta; seta 2.7 times as long as spine, 2.3 times as long as third exopodal segment, 0.8 times as long as entire exopod. Endopod nearly as long as first exopodal segment, membranous, proximal 2/3 slightly swollen; lateral margins fringed with tiny spinules; the hyaline structure leaflike and occurring close to, and partially overlapping, endopod.

Leg 5 (Figs. 15a, 17f): both legs separate at base; each leg large, elongate trapezoidal plate, ornamented with longitudinal row of 7 large spinules on distal inner margin, spinules increasing in size posteriorly, distalmost spinule slightly overreaching tip of inner spiniform process; and 1 small cuticular pore on proximal half; inner distal angle protruding as spiniform process and with minute spinules distally, spiniform processes of both legs divergent; each leg armed with 4 smooth setae on uneven outer margin. Basal lobe distinct, carrying 1 long, basally articulate seta followed by 1 tiny seta; next 2 setae unequal and arising from a slight bulge (probably ancestral endopod).

Leg 6 (Fig. 15a): claw-like, bare, posteriorly directed, forming simple operculum covering gonopore, fused with sixth pedigerous somite.

Description of adult female. Body length excluding caudal setae 540 Μm. Habitus ( Fig. 18 a): ornamentation of prosomites and colour similar to male, except genital somite and first abdominal somite fused into doublesomite. Cephalothorax ( Fig. 18 a) elongate-oval with postero-lateral corners dilated in dorsal view, about 1.2 times as long as wide in dorsal view; representing 15.9% of total body length. Genital double-somite about as long as wide without any trace of subdivision and with vague, elliptical cuticular window on antero-dorsal half, and 4 pairs of large posterior sensilla. Other urosomites gradually decreasing in size. Preanal and anal somites same as in male. Genital complex occupying antero-ventral half of genital double-somite; genital apertures paired, each covered by vestigial sixth legs; copulatory pores medial; seminal receptacles small; copulatory duct very short and weakly sclerotized.

Caudal rami ( Figs. 18 a, 20a, b): 1.3 times as long as anal somite, about 2.8 times as long as wide; gradually tapering; armature and ornamentation as in male.

Antennule ( Fig. 16 j): 7-segmented, first segment with few minute spinules near outer margin, fourth segment with slender aesthetasc, overreaching midlength of ultimate segment, and more slender apical aesthetasc on seventh segment, which is fused basally to 2 apical setae; setal formula: 0.4.5.2+aes.1.1.8+aes. All setae, except proximalmost one on second segment smooth. Length ratios of antennular segments on medial axis 1.0: 3.5: 1.5: 1.3: 0.7: 1.0: 1.2.

Antenna, labrum, mandible, maxillule, maxilla, maxilliped and leg 1 similar to male.

Leg 2 ( Fig. 19 b): exopod same as in male. Endopod 1-segmented, slender, 6.3 times as long as wide, somewhat curved, ornamented with 1 spinule subdistally; apex with 2 spinules and 1 slender seta, reaching distal end of first exopodal segment.

Leg 3 ( Fig. 19 c): coxa with arched row of spinules on anterior surface. Basis ornamented with spinules on outer margin and 1 pore anteriorly, armed with long and smooth outer seta, which is about as long as entire exopod. Exopod 2-segmented, ornamented with 1 row of large spinules along outer margin, and both segments with hyaline frill each at inner distal corner. First segment armed with 1 outer spine; second one with 1 outer spine and 1 apical strong seta; seta 2.9 times as long as spine; all elements bipinnate. Endopod 1-segmented, cylindrical, blunt, 4.4 times as long as wide, short, 0.3 times as long as first exopodal segment, ornamented with 1 spinule at midlength on inner margin and 1 spinule apically, which is 0.3 times as long as segment.

Leg 4 ( Fig. 19 d): exopod similar to male. Endopod lanceolate, about as long as first exopodal segment together with fused apical spine, somewhat curved inwards, ornamented with 2 circlets of spinules in proximal half.

Leg 5 ( Figs. 19 e, 20a, b): trapezoidal plate, overreaching posterior margin of fifth pediger; inner margin ornamented with only 3 small spinules, with distinct gap between proximal spinule and distal pair of spinules. Inner spiniform processes on both legs parallel; setal armature same as in male.

Leg 6 completely absent.

Etymology. The new species is named in honour of Prof. T. Karanovic, Hanyang University in Seoul, in recognition of his significant contributions to the systematics of groundwater copepods. The specific epithet, karanovici , is a noun in the genitive singular.

Distribution. The new species is confined to the type locality only.

Ecology. The new species was accompanied by various other taxa on two occasions at the type locality: Atopobathynella sp., Habrobathynella sp., Serbanibathynella sp., an unidentified cyclopoid, Nitocrella sp., Parastenocaris sp., an unidentified harpacticoid, water mites, nematodes, oligochaetes and insect larvae on 4 January 2010; and Atopobathynella sp., Serbanibathynella sp., Nitocrella sp., Parastenocaris sp., and an unidentified harpacticoid on 15 December 2013. Similar multiple stygobitic species coexistence has been reported elsewhere (see Corgosinho & Martínez Arbizu 2005; Corgosinho et al. 2007; Karanovic & Cooper 2011).

Variation. Caudal rami varying in size and form in female ( Fig. 18 a–e).

Figures

FIGURE 1. (a) Map showing the distribution of the Indian parastenocaridid species including Parastenocaris edakkal n. sp., Proserpinicaris corgosinhoi n. sp., and Proserpinicaris karanovici n. sp.; (b) sampling of a farm bore.

FIGURE 16 Proserpinicaris karanovici n. sp., holotype male (a – i); allotype, female (j): (a) rostrum, dorsal view; (b) antennule, ventral view; (c) antenna, lateral view; (d) labrum, ventral view; (e – f) mandible, lateral view; (g) maxillule, lateral view; (h) maxilla, lateral view; (i) maxilliped, lateral view; (j) antennule, lateral view.

FIGURE 17. Proserpinicaris karanovici n. sp., holotype male: (a) leg 1, anterior view; (b) leg 2, posterior view; (c) leg 3, anterior view; (d) leg 4, anterior view; (e) hyaline structure on basis of leg 4; (f) leg 5, ventral view.

FIGURE 18. Proserpinicaris karanovici n. sp., paratype female: (a) habitus, dorsal view; (b – d) caudal ramus, lateral view; (e) anal somite and caudal rami, latero-ventral view.

FIGURE 19. Proserpinicaris karanovici n. sp., allotype female: (a) leg 1, posterior view; (b) leg 2, anterior view; (c) leg 3, anterior view; (d) leg 4, anterior view; (e) leg 5, ventral view.