European Genus Research Articles

High morphological disparity in a bizarre Paleocene fauna of predatory freshwater reptiles

BackgroundThe consequences of the K-Pg mass extinction are reflected across present biodiversity, but many faunas that appeared immediately after the extinction event were very different from current ones. Choristodera is a clade of reptiles of uncertain phylogenetic placement that have an extremely poor fossil record throughout their 150-million-year history. Yet, choristoderes survived the K-Pg event and persisted until the Miocene.ResultsI describe the skulls and skeletons of two new choristoderes from a single Paleocene ecosystem in western North America that reveal the hidden Cenozoic diversity of this reptile clade. Despite their similar size, the new species deviate dramatically in morphology. Kosmodraco magnicornis gen. et sp. nov. possesses an extremely short snout and extensive cranial ornamentation. The sacrum of K. magnicornis bears enlarged muscle attachment sites and other modifications reminiscent of some giant crocodylians. In contrast, Champsosaurus norelli sp. nov. is a longirostrine species with an uninflated and ventrally divergent postorbital skull. Together with a North American choristodere previously classified in the European genus Simoedosaurus, K. magnicornis substantiates a new clade of giant, short-snouted taxa endemic to the Americas. C. norelli is found to be an early-diverging member of the genus Champsosaurus from the Cretaceous-Paleogene of the northern hemisphere. This suggests the presence of several ghost lineages of champsosaurid that crossed the K-Pg boundary.ConclusionsThe new taxa greatly increase Cenozoic choristodere richness and strengthen the evidence for the existence of distinctive freshwater faunas in Paleogene Eurasia and North America, where this clade diversified to exploit newly available macropredatory niches in the aftermath of the asteroid impact. The new choristoderes also reveal the distinct ecological context in which extant freshwater predators of the Americas like alligatoroids and gars have their origins: Paleocene fluviolacustrine ecosystems in North America displayed high large predator diversity and morphological disparity relative to modern ones.

First occurrence of Psammophis (Serpentes) from Europe witnesses another Messinian herpetofaunal dispersal from Africa - biogeographic implications and a discussion of the vertebral morphology of psammophiid snakes.

We here describe abundant new snake material from the late Miocene (MN 13) of Salobreña, Spain. Vertebral morphology suggests a referral of the specimens to the extant psammophiid Psammophis, documenting the first occurrence of this genus in Europe. The diversity and disparity across the vertebral morphology of different psammophiid genera are discussed. We identify vertebral features that could diagnose Psammophis and therefore enable the recognition of the genus in the fossil record. A comparison of the new Spanish form with other taxa is conducted. We provide a detailed review of the psammophiid fossil record. Material previously described from the middle Miocene of Beni Mellal, Morocco is here tentatively referred to as ?Psammophis sp., an action that renders that occurrence as the oldest (probable) record of the genus and Psammophiidae as a whole, providing thus a potential calibration point. On the other hand, Eastern European Pliocene material that had been previously supposedly referred to Psammophis is here discarded as being rather fragmentary, not affording any more precise determination. The two psammophiid genera Psammophis and Malpolon appear almost simultaneously in the European fossil record (MN 13), with the former achieving only a short-lived and apparently geographically limited distribution in the continent, while the latter still exists in its modern herpetofauna. We assess biogeographic implications of the new find, suggesting a direct dispersal event from northwestern Africa to the Iberian Peninsula during the late Miocene, facilitated by the Messinian Salinity Crisis.

Genetic characterization of Italian and Spanish wild and domesticated chestnut trees

The only native species of the Castanea genus in Europe is Castanea sativa Mill., a widespread and important multipurpose tree species in the Mediterranean area that provides fruit, wood and shelter for hives. With the aim of expanding the knowledge of the genetic variability of the chestnut species (wild trees and varieties) and promoting the traceability of local products, an analysis based on 16 SSRs was carried out on 630 single trees from Italy and Spain. 319 unique genotypes were identified. A Bayesian approach combined with the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation method revealed the existence of two genetically distinct groups of chestnuts: Cluster 1 (Spain) and Cluster 2 (Italy), with a clear separation between the cultivars from (northern and southern) Spain and from Italy. The results also confirmed a common genetic structure between chestnut populations from southern Spain and southern Italy, which is the result of historical events and long-term human impact. The results showed no genetic differentiation between chestnut cultivars (grafted trees) and wild chestnut trees, probably as a consequence of the proximity of orchards and natural populations, which resulted in a gene flow between them.

Первая находка в Болгарии Amanita beckeri (Amanitaceae, Agaricales) — редкого и малоизвестного вида секции Vaginatae

Amanita beckeri was described six decades ago, but still remains among the less known and least featured in the mycological literature species of the genus in Europe. The authors present concise description and illustrations of a collection of the species from the Balkan Peninsula, which identity is supported by analysis of rITS sequences. Comparison with similar brownish-colored ringless amanitas is presented and an account of the current knowledge about its distribution is included.

Challenges of applying monophyly in the phylogenetic shallows: taxonomic reappraisal of the Dactylorhiza maculata group

SummaryThe first study of the taxonomically critical European orchid genus Dactylorhiza to use next-generation DNA sequencing generated the statistically best-supported reconstruction of its phylogeny to date. However, the two competing topologies obtained within the monophyletic Section Maculatae differed radically in the placement of the D. maculata s.s.–D. foliosa clade. Both topologies showed D. foliosa to be nested deeply within D. maculata s.s., and suggested that D. saccifera s.l. is paraphyletic, D. saccifera s.s. from south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor diverging before D. gervasiana from south-central Europe (a taxon typically viewed as a subspecies of D. saccifera or, more often, ignored completely). The poorly-sampled but character-rich morphometric comparison presented here suggests that D. saccifera s.s. and D. gervasiana cannot be distinguished with confidence using morphological characters and that, if D. gervasiana is accepted as a species, it is effectively cryptic. The diploid D. foliosa is accepted as an island endemic species, despite rendering paraphyletic the autotetraploid D. maculata s.s.; all other named taxa within the D. maculata s.s. clade are considered infraspecific. Dactylorhiza fuchsii is indisputably a bona fide species rather than a subspecies but it does not merit becoming the basis of a taxonomic section separate from D. maculata s.s. The strongly contrasting degrees of molecular vs morphological disparity reported here are representative of a more general trend evident in groups that have experienced comparatively recent speciation, as is the need to recognise occasional paraphyletic species when circumscribing species by integrating genotypic and phenotypic data categories. Explicit taxonomic criteria combined with a comparative, monographic approach are needed to achieve consistency of ranking. Disproving hypotheses of species status is judged a criminally underrated activity, actually being as important to outcomes as much-vaunted species "discovery".

A conspectus of Tephroseris (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) in Europe outside Russia and notes on the decline of the genus

Tephroseris is generally considered a difficult genus. Based on the examination of extensive herbarium material and considering the existing literature, we recognize seven species in Europe outside Russia. These are T. palustris, T. integrifolia with subsp. integrifolia, subsp. aurantiaca, subsp. capitata, subsp. maritima, subsp. serpentini and subsp. “tundricola”, T. balbisiana, T. crispa, T. helenitis, T. longifolia and T. papposa. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS and ETS sequences showed that these species fall into three lineages. These are: (1) T. palustris, clearly related to Arctic species of the genus; (2) T. integrifolia; and (3) the remaining species. Molecular dating of the T. integrifolia lineage resulted in a crown group age of 1.76 (0.85–2.87) million years. Possible reasons for taxonomic difficulties in the genus in Europe outside Russia may include its young phylogenetic age and extensive migration and genetic admixture in the Quaternary. The decline of the genus in Europe outside Russia is documented and discussed. We consider it possible that its decline is related to rising global temperatures. Citation: Kadereit J. W., Laux P. & Dillenberger M. S. 2021: A conspectus of Tephroseris (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) in Europe outside Russia and notes on the decline of the genus. – Willdenowia 51: 271–317. Version of record first published online on 3 September 2021 ahead of inclusion in August 2021 issue.

Salishbaena kootenai n. g., n. sp., a remarkable new form of thermosbaenacean (Peracarida, Thermosbaenacea, Halosbaenidae) from Montana, U.S.A.

Abstract A new representative of the Thermosbaenacea, Salishbaena kootenai n. g., n. sp., is described. Based on its specific characteristics and the complexly build maxilla 2, it clearly belongs to the family Halosbaenidae and morphologically seems closest to the European genus Limnosbaena, rather than to the other genera within this family. Updated keys for the identification of the families and genera within the Thermosbaenacea are provided. Given the significant range extension and unusual geologic and biogeographic context that this new record represents within the order Thermosbaenacea, brief observations on habitat and biogeography are included as well.

Key and atlas to the genus Trichocera MEIGEN in Europe (Diptera, Trichoceridae)

The key presents all 59 species of the genus Trichocera MEIGEN which occur in Europe. Four subgenera are represented: Trichocera MEIGEN 1803 (five species), Metatrichocera DAHL 1967 (seven species), Saltrichocera KRZEMIÑSKA 2002 (35 species), and Staryia KRZEMIÑSKA & GORZKA 2016 (13 species). The type material of two species, one from North America and one from Asia, are described (Trichocera columbiana ALEXANDER, 1927 and T. arctica LUNDSTRÖM, 1915), whose identities cause some problems and whose presence in the northern regions of Europe is possible. Two new species are described, Trichocera ( Saltrichocera ) longa, n. sp., and T. (Staryia) oulankae, n. sp. Trichocera versicolor is resurrected from synonymy; T. limpidipennis is synonymized with T. regelationis. There are separate keys to males and females; species are illustrated with camera pictures of diagnostic features: genitalia, antennae, and male tarsal claws, and additionally, wings and thoraces when only one sex is known, to enable further search. The state of knowledge of the genus in Europe and in the world is discussed.

New early late Miocene species of Vishnuonyx (Carnivora, Lutrinae) from the hominid locality of Hammerschmiede, Bavaria, Germany

ABSTRACT This study presents a new species of a large-sized lutrine from the upper Miocene hominid locality of Hammerschmiede, Vishnuonyx neptuni sp. nov., reporting the first occurrence of the genus in Europe and its most northern and western record. The new species differs from the already known members of the genus in size (intermediate between the African Vishnuonyx? angololensis and the Asiatic Vishnuonyx chinjiensis) and morphology, in particular in the larger P4 hypocone, the primitive morphology of M1 (paraconule present, enlarged protoconule and metaconule, labial expansion at the paracone area), the shorter and more robust lower premolars and the wider m1 trigonid. We hypothesized that the dispersal event that led to the expansion of the genus in Europe seems to be correlated with the water connection between Paratethys and the Mesopotamian Basin during the Konkian, between 13.4 and 12.65 Ma. In terms of paleoecology, it is here suggested that this form was feeding mainly on fish and less on bivalves or plant material, resembling the extant giant otter, Pteronura brasiliensis.

New hyaenodonts (Mammalia) from the late Ypresian locality of Prémontré (France) support a radiation of the hyaenodonts in Europe already at the end of the early Eocene

We describe three new hyaenodonts from the late Ypresian locality of Prémontré (Aisne, France; close to MP10 reference level). The new species – Lesmesodon gunnelli nov. sp., Cynohyaenodon smithae nov. sp., and Eurotherium mapplethorpei nov. sp. – represent the oldest occurrences of these three European genera. Lesmesodon gunnelli nov. sp. is also reported from the locality of Cuis (Marne, France; Ypresian, ~MP 10). We further present the dentition of two specimens of Lesmesodon edingeri from Messel (Hessia, Germany; type locality of the genus) based on µCT scans. Cynohyaenodon smithae nov. sp. and Lesmesodon gunnelli nov. sp. support the presence of small (300–400 g) hyaenodonts in the late Ypresian of the Paris Basin. Estimates of dental indices indicate that these hyaenodonts had an insectivorous diet. The third species – referred to Eurotherium – may have weighed 4–5 kg and, based on dental indices, likely incorporated more vertebrate prey into its diet. We also performed a phylogenetic analysis in order to test the relationships of these new taxa. These newly discovered species imply that the Proviverra/Allopterodon, Cynohyaenodon, and Eurotherium clades appeared in Europe earlier than previously known (i.e., Lutetian, MP 11). They reinforce the hypothesis that the hyaenodonts radiated during the middle-late Ypresian (MP 8/9–10) in Europe and adapted at that time to diverse ecological niches that they still occupied in the Priabonian (MP 13–14).

New morphological and molecular data reveal an important underestimation of species diversity and indicate evolutionary patterns in European

The correct identification of morphological species is a key task for species richness estimation of any ecosystem. Although body colour is a widely used character identifying European Lepidocyrtus species, recent investigations using molecular data have revealed that species delineation using body colour can result in an underestimation of real species diversity because of the presence of cryptic species. Lepidocyrtus violaceus is a European species characterised by its dark violet body colour. Its wide distribution leads us to suspect that several cryptic species can be present within this morphospecies. Since traditional morphological characters have appeared insufficient for real diversity identification in Lepidocyrtus, new morphological characters were needed in order to describe the cryptic diversity detected by molecular data in this genus. Pseudopores are integumentary structures present in all Lepidocyrtus species, but the distribution of these structures has not been properly described in the genus, as well as in Entomobryioidea overall. In the present work we aimed to analyse whether L. violaceus is a monophyletic entity in Europe. Moreover, we aimed to determine if the position and number of pseudopores on the different parts of the body and appendages is a phylogenetically useful character in the identification of the species or superspecific entities. Fourteen populations of L. violaceus from five European countries, and another 25 Lepidocyrtus species from nine European countries have been studied. In total, 208 specimens have been analysed morphologically and half of them were studied molecularly using sequences of the genes COXII and EF-1α. Molecular data revealed that the widely distributed Lepidocyrtus violaceus morphospecies is a polyphyletic entity in Europe. Between 6 and 12 diferent cryptic species have been detected within this European morphospecies, and only the presence of pseudopores on the basal plate of the fourth abdominal segment has been found to be a promising diagnostic character between them. A common basal pattern of pseudopore distribution has been recognised in the European members of the genus, and also a diferential pattern within each European species group. As a general trend, an increase in the number of pseudopores has been detected from the most basal to the most derived species groups in the phylogeny of the genus in Europe.

THE OCCURRENCE OF EOCENOCHELUS (TESTUDINES, PLEURODIRA) FROM SARDINIA SUPPORTS PALAEOGEOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PROXIMITY OF THE ISLAND TO CONTINENTAL WESTERN EUROPE DURING THE EOCENE

In this paper, we describe pleurodire turtle material from the island of Sardinia, Italy, originating from two Eocene localities of the Cixerri Formation. The more complete among the two specimens bears strong resemblance with the continental Western European Eocenochelus eremberti and is tentatively referred to the same species, while the second, less complete specimen is only provisionally referred to the genus Eocenochelus. The new Sardinian turtles add to the so far scarcely documented fossil record of pleurodires in Italy, while it ranks as among the very few Paleogene vertebrates known from the island. The identification of the widespread Eocene Western European genus Eocenochelus in the fossil record of Sardinia supports recent palaeogeographic reconstructions of the island, according to which the Sardinia-Corsica Massif was located rather close to mainland Europe and was subjected to a significant, counterclockwise rotation during the Paleogene.

Atmospheric Pathways and Distance Range Analysis of Castanea Pollen Transport in Southern Spain

The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is the only native species of this genus in Europe, where it faces various threats that are causing a severe decrease in populations, with the resulting loss of genetic diversity. In the Iberian Peninsula, it is of high economic and ecological importance, being well represented, especially in northern areas, whilst it is limited to isolated populations in medium-range mountains in southern Spain (Andalusia region). Taking advantage of this fragmented distribution, this study analyzes the dynamics of atmospheric transport of Castanea pollen through Andalusia region in order to obtain a better understanding of the pollination pathways as a key aspect of the floral biology of this partially anemophilous species. The aerobiological characteristics of this species are also of special interest since its pollen has been recognized as allergenic. Pollen transport pathways were studied by applying back-trajectories analysis together with aerobiological, phenological, land cover, and meteorological data. The results reveal that airborne Castanea pollen concentrations recorded in the city of Cordoba, in the center of Andalusia region, reach medium- and even long-range distances. The backward-trajectory analysis indicates that most of the pollen data detected outside the Castanea flowering season were related to westerly slow and easterly airflows. Furthermore, some of the case studies analyzed indicate the presence of southerly airflow patterns, which could influence medium- and long-range transport events from chestnut populations further south, even from those located in north African mountains. The integrated analysis of the results offers us better knowledge of the cross-pollination pathways of this endangered species, which help us to understand its genetic flows, as a basis for designing conservation strategies for this highly fragmented species in southern Spain.

Concise review of the genus Alaria Greville, 1830

The brown seaweeds of the genus Alaria are economically important species in respect of food, health supplements and cosmetics. They are used as a sea vegetable in many Asian countries and are becoming increasingly popular in western cuisine. This has led to the development of cultivation of this genus in Europe. As the species in the genus are adapted to temperate-to-cold waters in the northern hemisphere, its distribution is restricted to specific zones, e.g. Alaria esculenta, to the 16 °C isotherm explaining its absence in the southern North Sea and beyond the English Channel to the south. It has been observed that the genus Alaria has a high level of morphological plasticity and over 40 different species have been ascribed to the genus in the last century. Most species have been described from the North Pacific in cold temperate waters of the northern hemisphere and only a few from the North Atlantic. Recent advances in taxonomy and phylogeny have reduced several species to the Alaria marginata complex and the polymorphic Alaria esculenta species complex and moved one species to a new genus reducing the number to eight species and one sister species. Alaria mostly occupies wave-exposed subtidal rocky shores and is of interest for its food value and cultivation potential. Aquaculture of Alaria is highly attractive due to easy practices, fast growth and economic benefits (job creation, processing etc) and environmental benefits (bioremidiation, IMTA, carbon sink). Alaria is traditionally consumed in Japan, Russia, Europe and North America; and its popularity is on the increase due to changing nutritional habits in the global population. Many interesting bioactive molecules, minerals and vitamins and a mild flavour profile make Alaria of interest for the food, functional food and health and well-being sectors.

The European spring snail genus Marstoniopsis (Gastropoda: Amnicolidae): Eastward extension likely driven by Pleistocene glaciations

ABSTRACT Although the historical and modern distributional range of the European spring snail genus Marstoniopsis has already been considered in the context of Pleistocene/Holocene glaciations, many details of the eastern limits of these taxa remain uncertain. Also, the taxonomic status of some nominal species commonly attributed to this genus needs to be clarified. In the present study, a literature review of Marstoniopsis and the addition of newly found populations and fossils allow a reconstruction of the geographical and population history of this genus. Results indicate that the majority of the range of Marstoniopsis is inhabited by M. insubrica (Küster, 1853), though several local endemic taxa probably represent distinct species: M. armoricana (Paladilhe, 1869), M. croatica Schütt, 1974, M. vrbasi Bole et Velkovrh, 1987 and M. graeca (Radoman, 1978). The populations in the middle parts of the Dnieper and Volga rivers mark the south-eastern limit of the distribution of Marstoniopsis. Localities along with the eastern distribution limit of the range in European Russia and Ukraine mostly conform to the configuration of the zone of maximal (Riss-Saale-Dnieper) glaciation. Fossil records from Hungary and Slovakia show that Marstoniopsis inhabited central Europe (where these snails are now absent) at least during the early Holocene. It is here suggested that during the whole Pleistocene and Holocene the historical range of Marstoniopsis pulsated in accordance with the area size occupied by the glaciations. The overall geographic range of these snails includes the basins of rivers flowing into the North, Baltic, Black and Caspian seas. Isolated occurrences in Europe are mainly in closed lakes in mountainous areas of the Alps and the Balkans and are considered as refugia in the southern side of the Alps.

Fruit of Staphylea (Staphyleaceae) from the Oligocene of Montana, USA

Staphylea has abundant isolated seeds in the fossil record, but no fossil fruits of this genus have been confirmed before. In this paper, we report a capsular fruit of Staphylea from the Oligocene Renova Formation of Woodworth, western-central Montana, USA. Detailed investigation of this fruit gives new insights on the phylogenetic and biogeographic history of the genus. Morphological comparison with modern Staphylea fruits shows its closest resemblance to the extant Asian species, S. bumalda DC., which is similar in fruit shape, size, and pericarp venation, but differs by the angle of interlobal sinus and the stipe development. We establish a new fossil species, S. woodworthensis Zhu & Manchester sp. nov. for this fossil fruit. This discovery indicates that Staphylea was already established in western North America at least by the Oligocene, which is inconsistent with the recent interpretation of a late Oligocene origin of the genus in Europe. The distribution of fossils indicates an earlier diversification of Staphylea, along with other staphyleaceous genera, back to early Paleogene in North America. The genus subsequently retracted its range to the east and south in North America as evidenced by younger fossils and its modern geographic range.

The genera Helvella and Dissingia (Ascomycota: Pezizomycetes) in Europe - Notes on species from Spain.

Phylogenetic analyses of 115 newly collected Helvella specimens from Spain using three genetic markers [heat shock protein 90 (hsp), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) and the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU)] confirm the assignment of the Spanish collections to one Dissingia and 30 Helvella species. The analyses were supplemented with an additional sample of 65 Spanish and extralimital Helvella specimens from the fungaria of Oslo (O), Trondheim (TRH), Copenhagen (C), Uppsala (UPS), Stockholm (S) and Venice (MCVE). Nine species are described as new, i.e. Helvella fuscolacunosa, H. hispanica, H. iberica, H. inexpectata, H. neopallescens, H. phlebophoroides, H. poculiformis, H. retinervis, and H. terricola. We present photographs of a selection of fresh specimens and provide descriptions of all species of this diverse South European Mediterranean element of the genera in Europe.

Diversity of Phytophthora Species Associated with Quercus ilex L. in Three Spanish Regions Evaluated by NGS

The diversity of Phytophthora species in declining Fagaceae forests in Europe is increasing in the last years. The genus Quercus is one of the most extended Fagaceae genera in Europe, and Q. ilex is the dominant tree in Spain. The introduction of soil-borne pathogens, such as Phytophthora in Fagaceae forests modifies the microbial community present in the rhizosphere, and has relevant environmental and economic consequences. A better understanding of the diversity of Phytophthora spp. associated with Q. ilex is proposed in this study by using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in six Q. ilex stands located in three regions in Spain. Thirty-seven Phytophthora phylotypes belonging to clades 1 to 12, except for clades 4, 5 and 11, are detected in this study, which represents a high diversity of Phytophthora species in holm oak Spanish forests. Phytophthora chlamydospora, P. citrophthora, P. gonapodyides, P. lacustris, P. meadii, P. plurivora, P. pseudocryptogea, P. psychrophila and P. quercina were present in the three regions. Seven phylotypes could not be associated with known Phytophthora species, so they were putatively named as Phytophthora sp. Most of the detected phylotypes corresponded to terrestrial Phytophthora species but aquatic species from clades 6 and 9 were also present in all regions.

Molecular and taxonomic analyses in troglobiotic Alpioniscus (Illyrionethes) species from the Dinaric Karst (Isopoda: Trichoniscidae)

AbstractSpecies richness of terrestrial isopods is high in caves of the Dinaric Karst, which hosts ~10% of the world’s nominal oniscidean troglobionts. The most widespread taxon is the southern European genus Alpioniscus, which consists of two subgenera: Alpioniscus s.s. and Illyrionethes. Before this study, 14 nominal troglobiotic Illyrionethes taxa were recorded from the Dinaric Karst. Our molecular analyses using two mitochnodrial DNA (16S rRNA and COI) fragments and a nuclear gene (H3) fragment on all known Dinaric taxa identified three distinct lineages: strasseri-, heroldi- and magnus-lineage. Our results confirmed the validity of most nominal species. The exceptions are Alpioniscus balthasari, which consists of two different species including Alpioniscus iapodicus, and Alpioniscus heroldi, which is paraphyletic with respect to Alpioniscus bosniensis. The strasseri-lineage was highly supported by all phylogenetic methods used; therefore, we performed a detailed morphological analysis to distinguish and characterize the species of this group. New morphological characters, such as body part ratios, are proposed for future species identification. In addition, we redescribe three known species (Alpioniscus strasseri, Alpioniscus christiani and Alpioniscus balthasari) and describe two new ones (Alpioniscus hirci sp. nov. and Alpioniscus velebiticus sp. nov.). As a result, 15 nominal species of Illyrionethes are currently known from the Dinaric Karst.

Insights into the morphology and molecular characterisation of glacial relict Eurytemoralacustris (Poppe, 1887) (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida, Temoridae).

Eurytemoralacustris (Poppe, 1887) is a stenothermic glacial relict whose narrow environmental requirements make it an indicator species for good ecological conditions. The primary threats to this species are eutrophication and global warming. Many authors have described E.lacustris in taxonomic keys; however, its morphological description is unsatisfactory. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to review morphological characteristics of E.lacustris that were previously undescribed in the literature and to provide the molecular characteristics based on the two conservative mitochondrial genes: cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb). The new record of E.lacustris indicates that it is a more widespread species than previously hypothesized. Width-to-length ratio of the last female endopod segment of legs indicates variation among the widely distributed species of the genus in Europe (i.e., E.lacustris, E.velox (Lilljeborg, 1853), and E.affinis (Poppe, 1880)). We also found variability of number of setae on the second segment of male endopod. Furthermore, our analysis confirms the occurrence of species in different than exclusively freshwater habitats.