Pentaceration, an unusual new genus of Paramunnidae from Australia (Isopoda, Asellota)

Abstract

A new genus, Pentaceration, in the janiroid asellote family Paramunnidae from the Bass Strait area in south-eastern Australia is diagnosed. The distinguishing characters of species in the new genus are 1 central and 2 lateral spines on the frontal margin of the head, elongate eyestalks, lateral spines of varying length on pereonites 2–7, and reduced width of pereonite 4 compared with 3 and 5. Descriptions are presented of the type species, Pentaceration bassiana, and a second new species, P. spinosissima. The new genus appears to be wide-spread around Australia and New Zealand, where several as yet undescribed species have been noted, ranging from the upper sublitoral to abyssal depth. The relationship of Pentaceration to other paramunnid genera with covered coxae on all legs is discussed.