Re-evaluation of Morphological Diagnostic Characteristics of Hexapleomera Dudich, 1931 (Crustacea: Tanaidacea), with Description of a New Species

Abstract

An undescribed species of Tanaidacea was collected from Yokji Harbor in the southern coast of Korea. Hexapleomera yokjidona n. sp. can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the distinguishing features of a uropod with five articles, a pleopod basal article lacking inner seta, a mandible setal row with two setae, maxilliped coxa with two proximal setae, pereonites 1?3 together longer than wide, and pereopods 2?3 propodus with three ventral setae. To prove that H. yokjidona is a new species, detailed morphological characteristics of both genders are described and a comprehensive comparison among the species of the genus is tabulated. Additionally, diagnostic characteristics previously used to identify the species of Hexapleomera are reassessed and upgraded.