A revision of the Australasian species of the freshwater genera Boeckella and Hemiboeckella (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Abstract

The taxonomic utility of various characters is discussed. The status of Hemiboeckella searli Sars is discussed, and the retention of the monotypic genus Hemiboeckella is considered to be justified. A list of generic characters is given for both Boeckella and Hemiboeckella, a key is given to the Australasian species of Boeckella and is accompanied by comparative drawings. Except for B. minuta Sars, this key does not enable female specimens to be identified. The number of Australasian species of Boeckella previously described is reduced from 25 to 14 by synonymy. Two new species, B. geniculata and B. montana, and a new subspecies, B. robusta maxima, are described. Another apparently new species is figured but not named (based on a single specimen only). Two species described from New Zealand are recorded from Australia for the first time. The male fifth legs of all species are described and, except for B. opaqua Fairbridge, all are figured. Additional features are also figured for some species. The distribution of species and some general aspects of their ecology are discussed.