Redescription of the monotypic micro-predatory isopod genera Alitropus H. Milne Edwards, 1840 and Barybrotes Schioedte & Meinert, 1879 (Isopoda, Cymothoida), with a taxonomic key to the Cymothooidea Leach, 1814 from India

ABSTRACT

The two monotypic genera of micropredatory cymothoid isopods, Alitropus H. Milne Edwards, 1840 (Aegidae White, 1850) and Barybrotes Schioedte and Meinert, 1879 (Barybrotidae Hansen, 1890), are revised and their species redescribed from India. Alitropus typus is distinguished by its slender and elongate body, broadly triangular cephalon with the antero-median margin slightly produced, mandible palp longer than mandible and peduncle of uropod long. Barybrotes indus Schioedte and Meinert, 1879 is redescribed based on the type and additional material from Indian waters. Barybrotes indus is distinguished by its elongated body, large eyes, antero-median rostrum which separates the bases of the antennae, long natatory setae on the pereopods and all seven pairs by dilatation of the joints or garniture of setae are auxiliary to swimming. A key to the Indian family of the superfamily Cymothooidea Leach, 1814 is presented.

KEYWORDS:

• taxonomy
• Aegidae
• Barybrotidae
• Alitropus typus
• Barybrotes indus
• micropredatory isopod
• India

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Dr Charles Oliver Coleman, Curator Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany, and Dr Danny Eibye-Jacobsen and Dr Jørgen Olesen, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, for providing the type specimens. We acknowledge the authorities of Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, for the facilities, support and encouragement. The third author extends thanks to the Director, ICAR-NBFGR, for support. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Niel L. Bruce, for his valuable revision/suggestions/discussions in the later stages of manuscript preparation/revision. Finally, we gratefully acknowledge the effort made by the two anonymous referees for their critical review of the manuscript and for making valuable suggestions for its improvement.

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