Abstract
A new kinorhynch species, Echinoderes rex n. sp., is described from the Korea Strait. The new species is characterized by a pair of diminutive lateral terminal spines (19-23 μm) and a trunk length of 482-528 μm, making it the largest Echinoderes described so far. Unique for the new species is also the presence of a type of putative glandular cell outlets that have not been described previously. This paper presents light and scanning electron micrographs of the new structure. In addition, E. rex n. sp. is characterized by having a single middorsal spine on segment 4, lateroventral tubules on segment 5 and 8 and lateroventral acicular spines on segments 6 and 7. A pair of distinct and conspicuously large sieve plates, only described from two other species of the genus, is present on segment 9 in E. rex n. sp. A comparison is made with other species of Echinoderes and the similarities are discussed.
Highlights
Echinoderes Claparède, 1863 is with its 67 valid species the most diverse kinorhynch genus
The new species is characterized by a pair of diminutive lateral terminal spines (19-23 μm) and a trunk length of 482-528 μm, making it the largest Echinoderes described so far
This paper presents light and scanning electron micrographs of the new structure
Summary
Echinoderes Claparède, 1863 is with its 67 valid species the most diverse kinorhynch genus. The genus is characterized by the presence of 16 placids in the neck region (midventral placid usually the broadest), the first two segments always consisting of closed cuticular rings and the following nine segments consisting of one tergal and two sternal plates. Middorsal spines are present in some species, usually restricted to segments 4 to 8; lateral terminal spines are present in all species; and lateral terminal accessory spines are—if present in the species—restricted to females. Among species of Echinoderes the sexes are usually distinguished by the presence of lateral terminal accessory spines in females only, and pairs of short penile spines in males. Females of some species deviate from this pattern as they lack lateral terminal
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