A reappraisal of the taxonomic position of Enhydrosoma curvirostre (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Cletodidae)

Abstract

Enhydrosoma curvirostre is redescribed from archived and new material with particular attention to the structure of the mouthparts and other details of the fine structure not previously reported. It is shown that the species cannot be maintained in Enhydrosoma but is more closely related to Cletodes, the genus in which the original author placed it. However, it is shown that the species must be assigned to a new genus, Spinapecruris, as a result of possessing autapomorphies on the maxillule (only seven setae on the basis), thoracopods 2–4 (a large spine on the distal margin) and possibly the caudal ramus (proximal insertion of seta VII) and lacking apomorphies which may define Cletodes.