Revised keys to Paramphiascopsis Lang (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Diosaccidae) including a new species from deep water off New Zealand

Abstract

Paramphiascopsis waihonu sp. nov. is described and illustrated from deep water (1116m) off New Zealand. Individuals were retrieved from inside a spent skate (Rajiformes) embryo case in association with the mollusc Choristella sp. The species differs from all others in the genus in segments 3 and 4 of the antennule bearing aesthetascs and inter alia the ornamentation of the abdomen; the P1 basis and general morphology of the male P2 assists in isolating the species. Substantial variability is noted, and revised keys to both sexes of the genus are presented. Brief comments are made on the ecology of the species.