Revision of the guttata-group of Alona s. lato leads to its translocation to Prendalona Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2018 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae).

Abstract

Revision of the guttata-group of Alona s. lato justifies its translocation to the genus Prendalona Sousa, Elmoor-Loureiro & Santos, 2018. Emended diagnosis of the genus and diagnoses for all its species are provided. Prendalona belong to the Hexalona-clade of Alona s. lato, it is a sister-group of genus Flavalona Sinev & Dumont, 2016, but differs from the latter in: (1) minute lateral head pores without any pockets below, (2) absence of the genital process on male postabdomen, and (3) absence of inner setae on endites 1-2 of thoracic limb I. Morphology of North American P. barbulata (Megard, 1967) and widely distributed P. guttata (Sars, 1862) is investigated in detail for the first time. Prendalona julietae sp. nov.,sibling-species of P. guttata, is described from Brazil. Global diversity and distribution patterns of Prendalona are discussed.