Abstract
The large branchiopod fauna of Sardinia is reviewed based both on literature and newly collected data. Based on the available evidence, 13 taxa are present on the island (8 Anostraca, 2 Notostraca, and 3 Spinicaudata). Among them, the finding of the spinicaudatan Leptestheria dahalacensis is new for Sardinia, while the spinicaudatans Cyzicus bucheti and Eulimnadia sp. were overlooked in the most recent synopses on the fauna of the island due to misidentifications. Conversely, Cyzicus tetracerus and Limnadia lenticularis, previously erroneously reported based on misidentifications, must be excluded from the fauna of Sardinia. The finding of Eulimnadia sp. is the first record in Europe and the northernmost record of the genus. The occurrence of Leptestheria dahalacensis in Sardinia is rather unexpected and probably due to its accidental introduction linked with rice cultures. At least four of the 13 Sardinian large branchiopod species are absent from the Italian mainland and Sicily, stressing the uniqueness of its fauna and its significant contribution to the Mediterranean inland water crustacean diversity. 
Highlights
Due to their size, ancient history, distinctive ecology, and evolutionary conserved morphology, the large branchiopods are considered flagship taxa for temporary ponds and pools (Dumont and Negrea 2002; Brendonck et al 2008), and an appealing study group for evolutionary research (e.g., Gueriau et al 2016)
Based on the available evidence, 13 taxa are present on the island (8 Anostraca, 2 Notostraca, and 3 Spinicaudata)
The finding of the spinicaudatan Leptestheria dahalacensis is new for Sardinia, while the spinicaudatans Cyzicus bucheti and Eulimnadia sp. were overlooked in the most recent synopses on the fauna of the island due to misidentifications
Summary
Ancient history, distinctive ecology, and evolutionary conserved morphology, the large branchiopods are considered flagship taxa for temporary ponds and pools (Dumont and Negrea 2002; Brendonck et al 2008), and an appealing study group for evolutionary research (e.g., Gueriau et al 2016). Their unsettled taxonomy and the lack of accurate information about their distribution preclude in-depth biogeographical analyses and the implementation of effective conservation practices. The aim of the paper is to offer an updated checklist with accompanying bibliography and distributional notes for all large branchiopods known for Sardinia up to now, as well as a critical review of Sardinian Spinicaudata, the least known taxon in the study area
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