Species of the Genus ScrupocellariaVAN BENEDEN (Bryozoa, Anasca) from Indian Waters

Abstract

AbstractNine species of the genus Scrupocellaria VAN BENEDEN are figured and described in this paper. They are: Scrupocellaria maderensis BUSK. S. obtecta HASWELL. S. mansueta WATERS. S diadema BUSK. S. scruposa (LINNAEUS). S. spatulata (D'ORBIGNY). S. delilii (AUDOUIN). S. bertholettii (AUDOUIN). S. talonis OSBURN. The specimens were collected from the south west and south east coasts of India. Six species are described for the first time from Indian waters. Variations noticed in the morphology of the above species with those described elsewhere are assessed and discussed.A study of the genus from the available material shows that characters like the number of spines and nature of scuta show considerable intraspecific differences. Variation in spine number is a common occurrence and undue importance to spine number, especially in the case of tropical species, should be given with due caution. The history of S. bertholettii is really confusing especially in view of the creation of the var. tenuirostris. A comparative study of the type specimens would help to clarify the taxonomic ambiguity of this species.