A review of the genus Asellus E.L. Geoffroy, 1762 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Asellidae) from the Asian part of Russia, with description of plesiomorphic A. turanaicus sp.n.

Abstract

We describe Asellus turanaicus sp.n., from small pond located in the area of the Norskij State Nature Reserve (Amurskaya Area, Russian Far East). A number of plesiomorphic features allow a more detailed evaluation of its taxonomic status within the genus Asellus. The most remarkable plesiomorphic feature of the new species is the specific architecture of the male gonopod. We re-evaluate the taxonomy of A. hilgendorfii amuricus Sidorov, 2005 and provide the additional diagnostic features. A. h. aculeiferus Sidorov, 2005 is proposed as a junior synonym of A. h. amuricus Sidorov, 2005. We also provide an updated distribution map of the genus Asellus in the Russian Far East, as well as the revised identification key for six Asellus s.str. species known from Russia.