Revision of Bowmaniella sensu Bǎcescu, 1968 (Crustacea: Mysida: Mysidae: Gastrosaccinae): A taxonomic conundrum

Abstract

There is confusion regarding the taxonomy, systematics, and distribution of species within the burrowing mysid genus Bowmaniella Bǎcescu, 1968. We have critically reviewed and examined the subgenera and the 15 nominal species currently assigned to Bowmaniella sensu Bǎcescu. Type material of eight of the 15 nominal species was examined and in vivo observations were made on two nominal species of the 'dissimilis group'. It was determined that in the ultimate (terminal form) and penultimate (subterminal form) males, the morphology of the third pleopods is distinctly different, a factor which has led to taxonomic confusion and the descriptions of several invalid species. Because Bǎcescu (1968) did not designate a type species for Bowmaniella or for the subgenus Coifmanniella, both taxa are nomina nuda. Our studies, especially those involving the development of the male third pleopod, also indicate that nine of the nominal species previously assigned to Bowmaniella Bacescu, 1968 are junior synonyms. We formally designate two new genera, Bowmaniella n. g. and Coifmanniella n. g., to accommodate the species previously listed under Bowmaniella and its subgenera as perceived by Bǎcescu (1968). We retain the use of Bacescu's original generic and subgeneric names, but with each having distinctly different diagnoses to those originally proposed by Bǎcescu. Bowmaniella n. g. is diagnosed to receive B. dissimilis (type species) and B. banneri. Coifmanniella n. g. contains four species, C. johnsoni (type species), C. mexicana, C. merjonesi, and C. parageia. Lectotypes are designated for Bowmaniella dissimilis, B. banneri, Coifmanniella mexicana and C. merjonesi and a neotype is designated for C. johnsoni. Illustrated keys are given for the seven "burrowing" genera presently assigned to the Gastrosaccinae and for the species currently assigned to the American genera Bowmaniella and Coifmanniella. Copyright © 2006 Magnolia Press.