Two new species of Bryocamptus (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae) from the Russian Arctic and comparison with Bryocamptusminutus (Claus, 1863).

Abstract

Two new species of Bryocamptus Chappuis, 1929 from the Russian Arctic from the Bryocamptusminutus species group are described: Bryocamptusputoranus sp. nov. and Bryocamptusabramovae sp. nov. A complete morphological comparison of the new species with the type species Bryocamptusminutus (Claus, 1863) was carried out. Significant interspecific differences were shown at the level of microcharacters, such as integumental sensillae and pores, ornamentation of segments of mouthparts and swimming legs, and pores on swimming legs. A significant correlation has also been shown in the shape of the caudal rami of the females and the antennules of the males, which is likely caused by an evolutionary sexual arms race. Bryocamptusputoranus sp. nov. and B.minutus have a similar structure of caudal rami, but completely different male antennules, which may indicate a convergent origin of modifications and highlights the importance of depicting male antennules in the species descriptions.