taxonID	type	description	language	source
03D38903403B0526CCBBFA6974D9F85F.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Scrupocellaria marsupiata Jullien, 1882	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403B0526CCBBFA6974D9F85F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Name compound of ‘ scutum’, alluding to the characteristic scutum covering the frontal membrane like a well-fitting lid, and ‘ Notoplites ’, a very similar genus in which several of the species discussed here were included until now. Gender masculine.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403B0526CCBBFA6974D9F85F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Colony erect, dichotomously branching, anchored to the substrate by rhizoids that descend along the main axis. Branches articulated, biseriate, with alternating autozooids. Branching pattern type 15 (Harmer 1923). Autozooids elongate, narrower proximally, with an oval frontal membrane placed distally. Inarticulate spines usually present on the distal margin of autozooids. A flabelliform scutum covering the frontal membrane like a well-fitting lid, the proximolateral edge merging with the circum-opesial gymnocyst, scutum margin here straight or fimbriated. Distal opercular area restricted by the arcuate opesial margin, its proximal edge defined by the straight distal part of the scutum. Operculum thickly sclerotised. Avicularia of two types: a small one, sessile, present distolaterally, in the form of a triangular prominence on the side of the autozooid, not always seen in frontal view, with the triangular mandible pointing outwards; a small frontal avicularium located just proximal to the scutum, situated on a small prominence and provided with a triangular mandible directed proximally. Ovicell hyperstomial, large, prominent, not closed by the operculum, with a small frontal fenestra in the ectooecium. Ancestrula not known.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403B0526CCBBFA6974D9F85F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Several of the species of Scutoplites n. gen. discussed here, including the type species, were until now classified in the genus Notoplites. The main characters that differentiate Scutoplites from Notoplites species are: the well-developed scutum that covers the frontal membrane like a well-fitting lid, with the proximal and outer-lateral margins merged with the opesial rim, leaving the operculum uncovered. This character is apparently absent in Notoplites species. In most of the species the scutum is distinctly smaller and of variable shape, exposing a relatively large area of the frontal membrane, whereby it may even be absent in other species. Secondly, in the Scutoplites species the scutum has a fimbriated edge, with branches separated by a variable number (6 – 27) of more or less narrow fissures of variable length. Thirdly, all the species in Scutoplites have a small, sessile avicularium in the distolateral corner of each autozooid, which may not always be visible in frontal view, as well as a small frontal avicularium located just proximal to the scutum in many of the autozooids. In contrast, according to the original description (Harmer 1923), in Notoplites frontal and marginal avicularia may be present or absent and additional basal avicularia, approaching a vibraculoid form, are typically present and usually confined to the neighbourhood of the axil. Jullien (1882) mentioned a single basal (i. e. abfrontal) vibraculum behind the lateral avicularium in Scrupocellaria marsupiata, but this was not observed in the redescription of the species (Souto et al. 2011). Similarly, Busk (1884) mentioned a minute avicularium as being positioned in the distal abfrontal autozooid in Menipea clausa Busk, 1884, and R. Kirkpatrick (in Waters 1888) also noted the presence of vibracula in several autozooids, but again these were not found during the redescription of the species (Souto et al. 2011). Perhaps these authors incorrectly interpreted the lateral avicularium, which in this species is displaced basally, as a basal vibraculum. The only northern Atlantic Notoplites species with an unequivocal abfrontal avicularium seems to be Notoplites bilobus (Busk, 1884) from the Azores (see Berning & Spencer Jones 2023). None of the species we here assign to Scutoplites were observed to form an abfrontal / basal avicularium. In addition to the type species, Scutoplites n. gen. includes the following species: M. clausa, Notoplites saojorgensis Berning, 2013, Notoplites reverteri Souto, 2019, Scutoplites hamartia sp. nov., Scutoplites virgulus sp. nov., Scutoplites azorensis sp. nov., Scutoplites burocraticus sp. nov. and Scutoplites batmani sp. nov.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340390520CCBBFF347536FEFF.taxon	description	(Fig. 1)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340390520CCBBFF347536FEFF.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. MNHN-IB- 2008 - 2817 (lectotype, Fig. 1), MNHN-IB- 2008 - 1042 (paralectotype), and MNHN-IB- 2008 - 2819 (a small fragment): Travailleur 1881, D. 1, 43 º 00 ’ 40 ’’ N, 09 º 37 ’ 00 ’’ W (corrected following Ryland 1969: 238), 2018 m, 10 Jun. 1881 (see Souto et al. 2011). Other material examined: MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7505: Biaçores stn. 120, 39 º 03.5 ’ N, 32 º 43.5 ’ W, 2100 m, a single small and poorly preserved base of a colony, in ethanol; MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7530: Biaçores stn. 165, 37 º 33 ’ N, 25 º 58 ’ W, 2050 – 2085 m, a tiny colony fragment in ethanol; MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7545: Biaçores stn. 195, 37 º 56 ’ N, 24 º 49.5 ’ W, 1700 – 1776 m, a few poorly preserved zooids in ethanol; MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7595: Biaçores stn. 249, 45 º 50 ’ N, 17 º 32 ’ W, 4620 – 4690 m, a poorly preserved colony base with few zooids, in ethanol. All samples identified by d’Hondt (1975) as Scrupocellaria marsupiata.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340390520CCBBFF347536FEFF.taxon	discussion	Remarks. As already stated above, Jullien (1882) described Scrupocellaria marsupiata for several fragments collected at 2018 m depth off the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. According to the redescription by Souto et al. (2011, as N. marsupiatus), the species is characterized by small autozooids (about 0.5 mm long), a scutum that is nearly as long as wide and with a stout spine distal to its base and about 15 radial fissures, a large lateral avicularium, an orifice that is as long as wide, and a very elongated ovicell. The fact that Menipea clausa was soon considered a synonym of Scrupocellaria marsupiata (see Jullien 1888; Waters 1888; Calvet 1907; Harmer 1923; Prenant & Bobin 1966) meant that this species remained the only species having a flabelliform scutum with a fimbriated edge. This was the reason why later authors used this name for any species with a similar scutum collected in the North Atlantic. However, specimens assigned to the nominal species reported subsequent to the original description do not actually belong to Scrupocellaria marsupiata. Firstly, Souto et al. (2011) already demonstrated that M. clausa is a different species and transferred it to the genus Notoplites (see also below). Harmer (1923, as N. marsupiatus) was actually referring to the type material of M. clausa. The record from the Azores by Calvet (1931) as N. marsupiatus proved to be a new species, N. saojorgensis (cf. Berning 2013) (see also below). Another record from the Azores made by d’Hondt (1973) as Scrupocellaria marsupiata really corresponds to Scutoplites clausus n. comb. after revision of the original sample (MNHN-IB- 2008 - 6744) (see below). D’Hondt (1974) reported Scrupocellaria marsupiata from four stations off the northwestern Iberian Peninsula, but reference material actually corresponds to N. jeffreysii (Norman, 1868) according to Souto et al. (2011). D’Hondt (1975) then reported Scrupocellaria marsupiata from nine stations in the Azores and adjacent waters. However, material from Biaçores stations 54 A and 64 belongs to Scutoplites hamartia sp. nov. (see below), and material from station 245 to Scutoplites virgulus sp. nov. (see below). The specimens from stations 120, 165, 195 and 249 (MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7505, 7530, 7545 and 7595, see ‘ Other material examined’ above) is so poorly preserved that it is not possible to identify it to species level, and, finally, no material seems to exist from stations 126 and 159, so it is not possible to elucidate which species these specimens may belong to. In fact, Berning (2013) already pointed out the possibility that several species were combined under the name Scrupocellaria marsupiata in the work by d’Hondt (1975). The species was reported again by Hayward (1978, as N. marsupiata [sic]) at 1980 m depth north of the Iberian Peninsula and at 1550 m in the northwestern Bay of Biscay. However, we have not been able to locate the material reported in that paper at the NHMUK, so we cannot confirm which species it may correspond to. Again, d’Hondt (1985) recorded N. marsupiatus far west of Galicia Bank at 4270 – 4360 m depth, and halfway between the Azores and Madeira at 4900 – 4960 m depth, but the revision of the original material confirms that it belongs to a new species, Scutoplites batmani sp. nov. (see below). Finally, d’Hondt & Schopf (1985) reported N. marsupiatus off New Jersey at 3806 m depth and at the equatorial Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 3730 – 3783 m depth, but again the revision of the original material confirms that it belongs to other species (S. batmani sp. nov. and perhaps S. virgulus sp. nov., see below). In summary, at present Scutoplites marsupiatus n. comb. is known with certainty only from the NW Iberian Peninsula at 2018 m depth. Its presence in other nearby areas, such as the Bay of Biscay, remains to be confirmed by collecting new material. Scrupocellaria marsupiata is here selected as the type species of Scutoplites n. gen.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403E0521CCBBFAEC72F7FE6F.taxon	description	(Fig. 2)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403E0521CCBBFAEC72F7FE6F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. NHMUK 1887.12.9.83 (lectotype): Challenger, stn. 70, 38 º 25 ’ N, 35 º 50 ’ W, 3063 m, 26 Jun. 1873 (see Busk 1884 and Souto et al. 2011) (Fig. 2 A – E). MNHN-IB- 2008 - 6744: Noratlante PR 063, 36 º 48.5 ’ N, 27 º 06 ’ W, 1940 m, 3 Oct. 1969 (d’Hondt 1973, as Scrupocellaria marsupiata) (Fig. 2 F).	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403E0521CCBBFAEC72F7FE6F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Menipea clausa was described by Busk (1884) for material collected by the Challenger Expedition west of the Azores at 3063 m depth. Shortly after the original description of the species, Jullien (1888) and Waters (1888) suggested that M. clausa was a junior synonym of Scrupocellaria marsupiata, and this synonymy was accepted by later authors (e. g. Calvet 1907; Harmer 1923; Prenant & Bobin 1966). This is the reason why the species was never cited again until its redescription as a different species by Souto et al. (2011). According to the latter authors, Notoplites clausus is characterized by elongated autozooids with orifices that are wider than long, a scutum that is longer than wide and has 8 – 10 short fissures along its outer margin, while there are none along its inner side, a small distolateral avicularium located basally and not visible in frontal view, and up to three distal spines in the outer distal angle and one in the inner angle. The mention of basal vibracula in this species (see Harmer 1923 as N. marsupiatus) is surely due to confusion with the displaced lateral avicularia (see Souto et al. 2011 and above). The record from about 130 km west of the island of Santa Maria at 1940 m depth by d’Hondt (1973, as Scrupocellaria marsupiata) most probably corresponds to S. clausus n. comb., although the state of conservation of the original sample (MNHN-IB- 2008 - 6744) is relatively poor as it is affected by Bynesian decay (Fig. 2 F). However, its measurements match perfectly with those of the type specimens. Considering the characters of the species, M. clausa is here included in Scutoplites n. gen. Scutoplites clausus n. comb. is presently known only from a station several hundred kilometres west of the Azores at 3063 m depth and from south of the Azores at 1940 m depth.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403F0523CCBBF9E0702CFDFB.taxon	description	(Fig. 3)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403F0523CCBBF9E0702CFDFB.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. MNHN-IB- 2008 - 4163 (holotype): Princess Alice, Stn 1349, São Jorge, 38 ° 35 ’ 30 ’’ N, 28 ° 05 ’ 45 ’’ W, 1250 m, 19 Aug. 1902, a large colony free of a substrate, dry (see Berning 2013) (Fig. 3 A – C). MOM INV- 22675 (formerly MOM 42 0877) and MON INV- 22988 (formerly MOM 42 1213) (paratypes): same locality information as holotype (see Berning 2013). Additional material examined using SEM: ZMH Br 2029: R / V Meteor, M 150, Stn 142, Princess Alice Bank, 37 ° 54.975 ’ N, 29 ° 03.868 ’ W, 995 m, 6 Sept. 2018, a 4.5 cm tall colony in ethanol, sequenced by Orr et al. (2022), Genbank Accession Codes: OK 244933, MZ 677661, MZ 678042 (Fig. 3 F). SMF 44839: R / V Meteor, M 151, Stn 47 - 1, Açor Bank, 38 ° 01.872 ‘ N, 29 ° 25.558 ‘ W, 830 m, 14 Oct. 2018, a large colony (c. 4 cm) on dead coral skeleton, in ethanol. MHNUSC-Bry 789 – 792: D 10, Iberia Seamount “ Bolinha ”, 39 º 19 ‘ 53.77 ‘‘ N, 29 º 45 ‘ 20.08 ‘‘ W, 1280 m, 4 Sept. 2019 (sample EX 2 _ D 10 _ R 22 _ B 01), fragments dry and in alcohol (Fig. 3 D, E). Additional material examined optically: SMF 44841: R / V Meteor, M 151, Stn 53 - 1, Açor Bank, 38 ° 01.875 ’ N, 29 ° 25.565 ’ W, 830 m, 15 Oct. 2018, one large colony in ethanol. SMF 44842: R / V Meteor, M 151, Stn 53 - 2, Açor Bank, 38 ° 01.878 ’ N, 29 ° 25.562 ’ W, 830 m, 15 Oct. 2018, one colony on dead coral skeleton, in ethanol.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403F0523CCBBF9E0702CFDFB.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The original material reported from the Azores by Calvet (1931) as N. marsupiatus, collected at 1250 m depth off south-central São Jorge Island, was revised by Berning (2013) and described as a new species, N. saojorgensis. This species shows robust internodes with wide, club-shaped autozooecia provided with a quite large scutum with long fissures and generally lacking distal orificial spines, while the lateral avicularium is clearly visible in frontal view, and the ooecia have a small triangular proximomedian fenestra. We ourselves have revised also material collected at 1280 m depth in the Iberia Seamount, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge halfway between the central and western groups of Azorean islands, as well as southwest of the central group of islands between 830 and 995 m depth. According to the original description (Berning 2013), the scutum base of N. saojorgensis occasionally bears a single, greatly enlarged spine, whereas a smaller single spine distal to the orifice is present only in median autozooids at branching points. Both types of spines are also present in Iberia Seamount material, but some autozooids also have a variously developed distal spine located directly in the area where the lateral avicularium joins the external wall of the autozooid (Fig. 3 D, E). Freshly collected material enables us to further describe the colonies, which grow several cm in height (> 4.5 cm), forming a single, central stem. The stem has a zig-zag pattern with new lateral branches arising at each bend. The lateral branches lack the zig-zag pattern but bifurcate once at some distance to the colony axis (Fig. 3 F). The zooecia are translucent when fresh and clean. The porcelain-white aspect depicted by Berning (2013: fig. 1 A) is likely to appear only when the colony is dried. At present, N. saojorgensis is known only from the Azores archipelago at 830 – 1280 m depth, occurring in and around the central group of islands. Based on the characters of the species, N. saojorgensis is here included in Scutoplites n. gen.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403D0523CCBBFD1170D2FAE9.taxon	description	(Fig. 4)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403D0523CCBBFD1170D2FAE9.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. MB 37 - 000062 (holotype): EMEPC / PEPC / LUSO 2016, stn. D 04, 33.9197 ºN, 37.5088 ºW, 1067 m depth (Fig. 4) (see also Souto & Albuquerque 2019).	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903403D0523CCBBFD1170D2FAE9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species was very recently described for a single colony collected at the Hayes Fracture Zone, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge SW of the Azores. Despite the scarcity of material and the absence of ovicells, N. reverteri has two characters that define it well. Firstly, the six non-articulated, conical and pointed distal spikes (Fig. 4). And secondly, the shape of the convex flabelliform scutum, with digital branch prolongations with long slitlike indentations between them, such that it is possible to see how the central axis of the scutum is located diagonally over the opesia, while its area of attachment to the gymnocyst is clearly thickened and recurved (Fig. 4). The stout distal spikes resemble those of S. batmani sp. nov., but that species has a completely different scutum (see below and Fig. 10). The scutum with the oblique axis and the thickened and recurved attachment resembles that of S. hamartia sp. nov., but in that species the slitlike indentations are shorter, among other characters (see below and Fig. 5). Considering the characters of this species, N. reverteri is here included in Scutoplites n. gen. In this species, however, the frontal avicularium is present only in the median autozooid of the branching point, which constitutes an exclusive character.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034032052CCCBBFF34703BF842.taxon	description	(Fig. 5; Table 1)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034032052CCCBBFF34703BF842.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype: MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7441: Biaçores stn. 64, 38 º 43 ’ N, 28 º 29 ’ W, 1200 – 1240 m, 14 Oct. 1971, several small fragments of a single colony, dry (Fig. 5 A, B, E). Paratype: MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7420: Biaçores stn. 54 A, 38 º 12 ’ N, 28 º 15 ’ W, 1810 m, 13 Oct. 1971, proximal part of colony with rhizoids, dry (Fig. 5 C, D).	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034032052CCCBBFF34703BF842.taxon	etymology	Etymology. hamartia, noun from ancient Greek ἁμαρτία (error), as the material here assigned to this new species was originally misidentified as S. marsupiata.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034032052CCCBBFF34703BF842.taxon	description	Description. Colony erect, dichotomously branching, attached to the substrate by rhizoids that are produced from a small pore near the proximal end on the abfrontal side of some autozooids, densely intertwined to form a stalk. Branches formed by two series of alternating autozooids opening on one side only. Branching points composed of a single proximomedian autozooid and two distolateral ones. Autozooids elongate, narrower and tubular proximally, with the distal half turned outwards alternatingly to right or to left. Skeletal surface smooth, autozooids separated by a distinct groove, forming a zigzag line on the abfrontal side. Distal half of autozooid occupied by an extensive oval membranous area, covered proximally by a large, convex, flabelliform scutum, elongate oval, longer than wide. Main axis of scutum originating from a broad and strongly recurved base near the inner distal autozooid margin just proximolateral to orifice and directed proximally. Scutum covering the entire frontal area, digit-like prolongations present all around the main axis, usually branching once, merging with the circum-opesial gymnocyst, leaving 21 – 27 slit-like fissures of variable length between them, long fissures generally alternating with short ones. Distal edge of scutum projecting as a straight lip that delimits the small opercular area, oral margin slightly raised, as long as wide, somewhat asymmetrical and displaced towards the outer autozooid marging. Operculum thickly sclerotised. Outer distal angle of autozooids with one spine, presumably strong but broken in the examined material. Inner distal angle with one spine, inconstant, usually broken. Median autozooids at branching points with only one outer spine. Adventitious avicularia of two kinds: one situated distolateral to orifice but displaced basally and generally difficult to see in frontal view, with the triangular mandible directed outwards; another small avicularium on a raised cystid just proximally to scutum, its triangular mandible directed upwards. Mandibles in both avicularia hinged on inconspicuous condyles. Ovicell lacking in the material examined. An ancestrula was not observed.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034032052CCCBBFF34703BF842.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The description of S. hamartia sp. nov. is based on several fragments, the largest of them comprising 12 autozooids with two branching points, but all of them lacking ovicells. Therefore, the description cannot be complete. However, the remaining characters are significant enough to differentiate this species from the others treated in the present work. Scutoplites marsupiatus n. comb. has shorter autozooids (c. 0.5 mm), a shorter scutum that is nearly as long as wide and with fewer fissures (c. 15), as well as with a stout spine on its base; the lateral avicularium is large, positioned laterally to the orifice and clearly visible in frontal view; and finally, the orifice is as long as wide. In S. clausus n. comb. the autozooids are longer and narrower (1.000 x 0.222 mm), there are fewer fissures around the scutum (7 – 9) and none on the inner margin; up to three spines are present on the outer distolateral edge and a stout spine is present near the base of the scutum. Scutoplites saojorgensis n. comb. shares with S. hamartia sp. nov. the orifice displaced towards the outer autozooid margin and the high number of fissures in the scutum, which, however, has a completely different appearance. Moreover, in S. saojorgensis n. comb. most of the autozooids lack spines, the scutum is wider than long, and the lateral avicularium is clearly visible in frontal view. Finally, in S. reverteri n. comb. the autozooids are clearly shorter, the scutum less developed, the lateral avicularium is visible in frontal view, and autozooids bear two lateral and four distal, stout, pointed spines. The material here described as S. hamartia sp. nov. was originally identified by d’Hondt (1975) as Scrupocellaria marsupiata but, as noted above, several species were combined under this name in that work. The specimens imaged by d’Hondt (1975: figs 14 – 16), without any further comments, do not belong to the present species because they show a smaller scutum with few fissures and autozooids devoid of spines, except for the median one in a branching point. This material mostly resembles S. virgulus sp. nov. (see below). At present, S. hamartia sp. nov. is known only from the central Azores around Ilha do Pico, at depths between 1200 m and 1810 m.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340300529CCBBFF3472E7FBC3.taxon	description	(Figs 6, 7; Tables 2 – 4)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340300529CCBBFF3472E7FBC3.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype: MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7576: Biaçores stn. 245, 40 º 57 ’ N, 22 º 16 ’ W, 4270 m, 14 Nov. 1971 (d’Hondt 1975, as Scrupocellaria marsupiata) (Fig. 6 A, E, F, G). Paratypes: MNHN-IB- 2017 - 1894 (separated from MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7586; Fig. 6 B, D), same information as for the holotype, a small branch fragment, dry; MNHN-IB- 2017 - 1905 (separated from MNHN-IB- 2008 - 7569; Fig. 6 C, H), same information as for the holotype, a branch fragment with ovicellate zooids, dry. Additional material examined: MNHN-IB- 2008 - 11964: Atlantis II, cruise 24, stn. 126, 39 º 37 ’ – 39 º 37.5 ’ N, 66 º 44 ’ – 66 º 47 ’ W, 3806 m (d’Hondt & Schopf 1985, as Notoplites marsupiatus) (Fig. 7 A, F). MNHN-IB- 2008 - 11966: Atlantis II, cruise 31, stn. 155, 0 ° 03 ’ 0 ’’ S, 27 ° 48 ’ 0 ’’ W, 3730 – 3783 m (d’Hondt & Schopf 1985, as Notoplites marsupiatus) (Fig. 7 B – E).	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340300529CCBBFF3472E7FBC3.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From the Latin virgula (rod, stick), reflecting the long internodes without signs of branching. While it is likely that branching does occur, it is remarkable that it is absent from the relatively long internodes.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340300529CCBBFF3472E7FBC3.taxon	description	Description. Colony erect, presumably dichotomously branching but several long (> 6.4 mm) and straight internodes do not show signs of bifurcation, attached to the substrate by rhizoids. Branches formed by two series of alternating autozooids, opening on one side only. Autozooids elongate, slightly narrower and tubular proximally, with the distal half turned outwards alternatingly to right or left. Distal third of autozooid occupied by an oval membranous area, covered proximally by a convex flabelliform scutum, slightly longer than wide, attached to the inner proximal angle of orifice; marginally merging with the circum-opesial gymnocyst except on the inner side, with about 6 – 10 narrow and variably long radial fissures, lacking on the inner edge, leaving a wide imperforated central area. Rarely a spine lateral to orifice, just distal of attachment of scutum; a second small one in the proximal outer angle of the orifice and a third in the outer distal angle of the autozooid. All spines broken in the material examined and frequently lacking. Orifice wider than long. Operculum thickly sclerotised. Adventitious avicularia of two kinds: one small, situated proximolateral to orifice, with the triangular mandible obliquely directed proximally and outwards; another small one on a raised cystid just proximally to scutum, its triangular mandible directed proximally. Mandibles in both avicularia hinged on inconspicuous condyles. Ovicell large, globular, prominent, longer than wide, resting on the proximal part of the distal autozooid. Surface somewhat uneven and with a proximomedian circular fenestra, the proximolateral ooecial margins reaching towards mid-distance of lateral orifice rim, ovicell opening well arched above orifice. An ancestrula was not observed.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340300529CCBBFF3472E7FBC3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. As for the previous species, the description of S. virgulus sp. nov. is based on several fragments that are not very well preserved. Despite having ovicells, the fragments lack dichotomies. Therefore, the description cannot be complete. An apparent budding of a new branch shown in Fig. 7 B and D originates from rhizoids on the abfrontal side of the proximal branch. Nonetheless, the remaining characters are significant enough to differentiate this species from the others treated in the present work. Scutoplites virgulus sp. nov. mostly resembles S. clausus n. comb. but differs in several key characters: in S. virgulus sp. nov. the scutum is almost circular, only slightly longer than wide and with longer fissures, whereas in S. clausus n. comb. the scutum is clearly longer than wide and has shorter fissures. The lateral avicularia are visible in frontal view in S. virgulus sp. nov. but they are displaced basally and not visible in frontal view in S. clausus n. comb. The ovicell is clearly longer than wide in S. virgulus sp. nov. whilst it is slightly wider than long in S. clausus n. comb. Finally, S. virgulus sp. nov. has fewer distal spines. Scutoplites marsupiatus n. comb. has more numerous and longer fissures, a larger lateral avicularium, a much longer ovicell, and the orifice is as long as wide. Scutoplites saojorgensis n. comb. has a scutum that is wider than long, with longer and more numerous fissures, a larger lateral avicularium, the orifice is displaced towards the outer autozooid margin, and it has a triangular fenestra in the ovicell. Finally, in S. reverteri n. comb. and S. hamartia sp. nov. the scutum is very different, with longer digital branch prolongations, among other differences. Part of the material here described as S. virgulus sp. nov. was originally reported as Scrupocellaria marsupiata by d’Hondt (1975) but, as noted above, several species were combined under this name in that work. The specimens imaged by d’Hondt (1975: figs 14 – 16), are quite similar to S. virgulus sp. nov. and show a dichotomy, which is unfortunately lacking in the material studied here. However, these figures are not completely representative and, furthermore, d’Hondt (1975) did not include any comment on the origin of the figured sample, or samples, while the work includes nine different localities for Scrupocellaria marsupiata that are geographically spaced far apart from each other. Therefore, we cannot unquestionably ascribe those figures to the present species. D’Hondt & Schopf (1985) reported N. marsupiatus from two distant Atlantic localities: hundreds kilometres east of New Jersey at 3806 m depth (MNHN-IB- 2008 - 11964), and in the equatorial Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 3730 – 3783 m depth (MNHN-IB- 2008 - 11966) (see above additional material examined). While two of the fragments from the latter locality belong to S. batmani sp. nov. (MNHN-IB- 2022 - 574, see below and Fig. 10 C), the remaining material is morphologically quite similar to the type material of S. virgulus sp. nov., and also occurs in depths of over 3700 m. Although the biometric data are somewhat larger, they generally maintain the same proportions (see Tables 3, 4). In sample MNHN-IB- 2008 - 11966, some autozooids have up to four stout distal spines (Fig. 7 C), whereas in others these are absent (Fig. 7 B). Autozooids with spines probably correspond to the first generations of autozooids from the zone of astogenetic change, with an ancestrula (currently unknown) that is perhaps vase shaped with a circle of spines, as in other Candidae. Despite the considerable distance separating the three localities (USA, Azores and equatorial Mid-Atlantic Ridge), in the absence of morphological differences we have to assign all the material to the same species. The species description given above is, therefore, exclusively based on the type specimens, which are from a single station north of the Azores (4270 m depth). In the case of S. batmani sp. nov. (see below) we also found the same species in three similarly distant locations. Nonetheless, it is clearly necessary to collect new material and conduct molecular studies to verify the identifications, but when working with material from deep waters, as is the case, this will probably be a very difficult endeavour.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034037052BCCBBFB0975DAFBD8.taxon	description	(Fig. 8; Table 5)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034037052BCCBBFB0975DAFBD8.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype: MHNUSC 10157: D 11, Iberia Seamount “ Top of Bolinha ”, 39 º 19 ’ 53.01 ’’ N, 29 º 45 ’ 06.59 ’’ W, 1230 m, 5 Jul. 2019 (sample EX 2 _ D 11 _ R 14 B 10), fragment a (Fig. 8 A, B) and fragment b (Fig. 8 C – F) dry, fragment c in alcohol.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034037052BCCBBFB0975DAFBD8.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name azorensis alludes to the geographic origin of the studied material.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034037052BCCBBFB0975DAFBD8.taxon	description	Description. Colony erect, dichotomously branching. Branches formed by two series of alternating autozooids opening on one side only. Branching points composed of a single proximomedian autozooid and two distolateral ones. Autozooids elongate, relatively stout, with the distal half of the autozooid slightly turned outwards alternatingly to right or left. Distal half of autozooid occupied by a large, oval, membranous area, covered proximally by a convex flabelliform scutum that is elongate oval, longer than wide, and attached to the inner proximal angle of orifice; scutum margin merging with the circum-opesial gymnocyst, with about 16 – 21 narrow, radial fissures that are variable in length, leaving a wide, imperforated central area. The distal edge of the scutum projects as a straight lip that delimits the opercular area, which is clearly wider than long. Operculum thickly sclerotised. One small spine inconstantly present on the inner side of the orifice. Outer distal angle of autozooids with two (rarely three) stout spines that can reach twice the length of an autozooid. Median autozooid in the branching point with one single spine located on the opposite side of the base of the scutum. Adventitious avicularia of two kinds: one small, located mediolaterally to the scutum and displaced towards the basal side, difficult to see in frontal view, with the triangular mandible obliquely directed proximally and outwards; another small avicularium on a raised cystid just proximally to scutum, its triangular mandible directed proximally and upwards / terminally. Mandibles in both avicularia hinged on inconspicuous condyles. Ovicell large, globular, prominent, resting on the proximal part of the distal autozooid, sack-shaped and much longer than wide, reaching the proximal margin of the scutum; surface somewhat uneven and with a proximomedian drop-shaped fenestra pointing proximally, the proximolateral ooecial margins reaching towards mid-distance of lateral orifice rim, ovicell opening well arched above orifice. An ancestrula was not observed.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D389034037052BCCBBFB0975DAFBD8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Only one colony was collected, now divided into three fragments, two dry and one in alcohol, all of them designated here as the holotype of the species. The external spines, although frequently broken, can become very long and show obvious signs of regeneration after breaking (Fig. 8, A, B). Scutoplites marsupiatus n. comb. differs from the new species in that the scutum is nearly as wide as long and has relatively longer fissures, in a single spine that is present in each distal angle, and in a large lateral avicularium, whereas in S. azorensis sp. nov. the scutum is clearly longer than wide, the fissures are shorter, leaving a wide central imperforated area, there are two (or even three) stout outer spines, and the lateral avicularium is difficult to see in frontal view. Moreover, the operculum in S. marsupiatus n. comb. is as wide as long and the ovicell is very long, but in S. azorensis sp. nov. the operculum is clearly wider than long, and the ovicell, although it is also long, is shaped like a sack. Scutoplites saojorgensis n. comb. has a scutum that is wider than long, with the fissures normally alternating between a long and a short one, lacks spines, bears a visible lateral avicularium, the orifice is displaced towards the outer autozooid margin, and the ovicell bears a triangular fenestra. Scutoplites clausus n. comb. has fewer and shorter fissures, which are also absent in the inner margin of the scutum, and the ovicell is clearly shorter. In S. reverteri n. comb. there are six stout, pointed spikes and the scutum has much larger fissures. In S. hamartia sp. nov. the scutum is also large and elongate oval but it has a broad and strongly recurved base and longer digital branch prolongations. Moreover, the outer distal angle of the autozooid bears a single spine instead of two. Finally, in S. virgulus sp. nov. the scutum is almost circular, only slightly longer than wide, with fewer fissures while there are none in the inner edge of the scutum; the lateral avicularium, though small, is visible in frontal view; there is one single inconstant spine in the outer angle; and finally, the ovicell is shorter. At present, S. azorensis sp. nov. is known only from 1230 m depth on Iberia Seamount, which is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge halfway between the central and the western groups of Azorean islands.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340350535CCBBFB37707DFBD4.taxon	description	(Fig. 9; Table 6)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340350535CCBBFB37707DFBD4.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype: MNHN-IB- 2008 - 15692: HYDROSNAKE, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Kane fracture zone, stn. HS 17 (n ° 6), 23 ° 32 ’ N, 44 ° 59 ’ W (approx.), 2757 m, 6 Jul. 1988 (det. d’Hondt as N. marsupiatus) (Fig. 9).	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340350535CCBBFB37707DFBD4.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name burocraticus is a tribute to bureaucracy, which gives us such good times. It is said that bureaucracy is the art of making the simple difficult by means of the useless (see also Discussion below).	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340350535CCBBFB37707DFBD4.taxon	description	Description. Colony erect, dichotomously branching, attached to the substrate by rhizoids. Branches formed by two series of alternating autozooids opening on one side only. Branching points composed of a single proximomedian autozooid and two distolateral ones. Autozooids very long and slender, relatively wider in their distal fourth. Distal half of autozooid turned outwards and projecting alternatively to right or left, producing a characteristic zigzag outline. Distal fourth of autozooid occupied by an oval membranous area, covered proximally by a convex flabelliform scutum that is semielliptical, longer than wide, and attached to the inner proximal angle of orifice; scutum margin almost merging with the circum-opesial gymnocyst, with about 9 – 13 radial fissures of variable length. Central imperforate area of scutum marked with concentric striations. The distal edge of scutum delimits the opercular area, which is wider than long and displaced towards the outer autozooid margin. Operculum thickly sclerotised. One small spine on the inner side of the orifice, inconstant. Outer distal angle of autozooids with one or two spines, the more proximal ones being generally thicker. Median autozooid in the branching point with one single spine located on the opposite side of the base of the scutum. Adventitious avicularia of two kinds: one small, displaced towards the basal side of the autozooid and rarely seen in frontal view, with the triangular mandible obliquely directed proximally and outwards; another small avicularium on a raised cystid just proximally to scutum, its triangular mandible directed proximally and upwards. Mandibles in both avicularia hinged on inconspicuous condyles. Only two broken ovicells present in the sample, presumably prominent, resting on the proximal part of the distal autozooid, inclined towards the branch midline, longer than wide, with a small proximomedian circular fenestra. The proximolateral ooecial margins extend towards mid-distance of lateral orifice rim, ovicell opening well arched above orifice. An ancestrula was not observed.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D3890340350535CCBBFB37707DFBD4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The material described here as S. burocraticus sp. nov. was collected by the HYDROSNAKE campaign in the Kane fracture zone (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) at 2757 m depth. Based on the label, the sample was originally identified by J. - L. d’Hondt as N. marsupiatus, but it does not seem to have ever been reported in any publication. Scutoplites marsupiatus n. comb. differs in that the scutum is nearly as wide as long and with relatively long fissures, one single spine in each distal angle, and a large lateral avicularium, whereas in S. burocraticus sp. nov. the scutum is clearly longer than wide, the fissures are shorter, there are one or two stout outer spines, and the lateral avicularium is not visible in frontal view. Moreover, the operculum in S. marsupiatus n. comb. is as wide as long and the ovicell is very long, whereas in S. burocraticus sp. nov. the operculum is clearly wider than long, and the ovicell, although broken, seems to be much shorter. In S. saojorgensis n. comb. the orifice is also displaced towards the outer autozooid margin, but the scutum of this species is wider than long, with the fissures normally alternating between a long and a short one, it lacks spines, bears a visible lateral avicularium, and the ovicell has a triangular fenestra. Scutoplites clausus n. comb. has fewer and shorter fissures, which are absent in the inner margin of the scutum, the orifice is not laterally displaced, and the autozooids are rather straight, while in S. burocraticus sp. nov. the autozooids are more clearly bent, so that the branches show a zigzag shape. In S. reverteri n. comb. and S. hamartia sp. nov. the scutum is very different, with longer digital branch prolongations, among other differences. In S. virgulus sp. nov. the scutum is almost circular, nearly as long as wide, with fewer fissures, while they are absent in the inner edge of the scutum; the lateral avicularium is visible in frontal view; and there is one single inconstant spine in the outer angle. Finally, in S. azorensis sp. nov. the scutum is larger, with a much greater number of radial fissures, leaving a wide imperforated central area, the orifice is not displaced, and the ovicell is longer, with a drop-shaped fenestra. At present, S. burocraticus sp. nov. is known only from the Kane fracture zone, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, at 2757 m depth.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903402B0537CCBBFB317192FEFF.taxon	description	(Fig. 10; Table 7)	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903402B0537CCBBFB317192FEFF.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype: MNHN-IB- 2022 - 575: Abyplaine stn. DS 10, 42 ° 51.2 ’ – 42 ° 49.9 ’ N, 15 ° 55.3 ’ – 15 ° 56.6 ’ W, 4270 – 4360 m (d’Hondt 1985 as N. marsupiatus) (separated from MNHN-IB- 2008 - 12051) (Fig. 10 E, F). Paratypes: MNHN-IB- 2022 - 576: Abyplaine stn. CP 03, 36 ° 48.7 ’ – 36 ° 49.4 ’ N, 19 ° 09.2 ’ – 19 ° 09.8 ’ W, 4900 – 4960 m (d’Hondt 1985 as N. marsupiatus) (separated from MNHN-IB- 2008 - 12064) (Fig. 10 A, B, D). MNHN-IB- 2022 - 574: Atlantis II, cruise 31, stn. 155, 0 ° 03 ’ 0 ’’ S, 27 ° 48 ’ 0 ’’ W, 3730 – 3783 m, 13 Feb. 1967 (d’Hondt & Schopf 1985 as N. marsupiatus) (separated from MNHN-IB- 2008 - 11966) (Fig. 10 C).	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903402B0537CCBBFB317192FEFF.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species is dedicated to Batman, since the scutum would correspond to the cape and the distal spines to the bat ears of the famous fictional character. Moreover, this species lives in eternal darkness.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903402B0537CCBBFB317192FEFF.taxon	description	Description. Colony erect, dichotomously branching, attached to the substrate by rhizoids produced from a small pore near the proximal end on the abfrontal side of some autozooids. Branches formed by two series of alternating autozooids opening on one side only. Branching points composed of a single proximomedian autozooid and two distolateral ones. Autozooids elongate, slightly narrower and tubular proximally, with the distal half of the autozooid turned outwards alternatingly to right or left. Distal third of the autozooid occupied by an oval membranous area, covered proximally by a convex flabelliform scutum, semielliptical, slightly longer than wide, attached to the inner proximal angle of orifice; scutum margin almost merging with the circum-opesial gymnocyst; 7 – 11 narrow fissures of variable length, lacking on the inner edge, arranged obliquely and directed proximally and outwards. Two spines proximolaterally to the orifice and two distal to it, all of them stout and pointed, the distal ones usually larger. Some autozooids may exhibit fewer spines. In addition, a spine may be present at the external distal angle of the scutum. Orifice wider than long. Operculum thickly sclerotised. Adventitious avicularia of two kinds: a small one situated lateral to orifice, directly at the base of the outer proximal spine, with the triangular mandible obliquely directed outwards; another small avicularium on a raised cystid directly proximally to scutum, its triangular mandible directed proximally. Mandibles in both avicularia hinged on inconspicuous condyles. Ovicell observed once, prominent, resting on the proximal part of the distal autozooid, slightly longer than wide, surface somewhat uneven and with a proximomedian drop-shaped fenestra pointing proximally, the proximolateral ooecial margins extending towards mid-distance of lateral orifice rim, ovicell opening well arched above orifice. An ancestrula was not observed.	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
03D38903402B0537CCBBFB317192FEFF.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Scutoplites batmani sp. nov. shares with S. reverteri n. comb. the stout, pointed spines, although the latter species has a total of six spines, not four. In any case, S. batmani sp. nov. clearly differs from all the species treated here due to its scutum, which has long and fine, obliquely oriented fissures. We have revised the only two samples reported by d’Hondt (1985 as N. marsupiatus) from two distant NE Atlantic stations: c. 250 km west of Galicia Bank at 4270 – 4360 m depth (Fig. 10 E, F), and halfway between the Azores and Madeira at 4900 – 4960 m depth (Fig. 10 A, B, D). They are here designated as, respectively, holotype and paratype of the species. Additionally, one colony reported by d’Hondt & Schopf (1985, as N. marsupiatus, in part) from the equatorial Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 3730 – 3783 m depth, also probably belongs to the same species (Fig. 10 C).	en	Reverter-Gil, Oscar, Souto, Javier, Berning, Björn (2025): Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida). Zootaxa 5618 (3): 326-350, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.3.2
