Redescription and affinity of the large hydroid Chitina ericopsis carter, 1873 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Solanderiidae)

Abstract

Chitina ericopsis Carter, 1873, is a large, rarely-reported, arborescent hydroid with a thick internal chitinous skeleton. Its affinities have been unclear since its first description more than one hundred years ago. Study of new material which includes hydranths confirms that it should be referred to the family Solanderiidae which comprises just one other genus, Solanderia. The distinctions between the two included genera are summarized. The species is redescribed, details of hydranth morphology and cindocysts being given for the first time. Type material is identified and redescribed.

Keywords :

• Hydroid
• Solanderiidae
• Chitina
• Solanderia
• hydranths
• cnidocysts
• New Zealand
• type material
• systematics