A new species of Boeckella (Copepoda: Calanoida) from arid Western Australia, an updated key, and aspects of claypan ecology

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 7 years ago

ABSTRACT – Boeckella pilkililli sp. nov. is described from a single, turbid, freshwater claypan located in the arid zone of Western Australia. The type locality is currently the only known location for the species. It was collected during an opportunistic survey of wetlands in the State’s arid zone following a significant summer rainfall event in 2014. The most important diagnostic feature is located on the distal segment (B2) of the 2-segmented basipodite of the male fifth right leg where the distal inner edge is grossly transformed into a large, blunt, tongue-like outgrowth. As with other Boeckella inhabiting temporary wetlands, B. pilkililli sp. nov. is a relatively large species. A minireview of claypan ecology and a discussion of ecological aspects of body size and shape in Boeckella are included. An updated key to species of Boeckella occurring in the Australasian region is also presented. This incorporates three additional species.