Systematics of the subterranean amphipod genus Stygobromus (Crangonyctidae) in western North America, with emphasis on the hubbsi group

Call Number:

Keywords:

Abstract:

Twenty-eight new species of the Holarctic, freshwater amphipod genus Stygobromus are described from a variety of subterranean groundwater habitats in western North America, including caves, springs, wells and the hyporheic zone, and new data are given on species previously described from this region. A total of 53 species are covered in this study, 44 of which are members of the hubbsi group. Twenty-three of the newly described species are assigned to this large species group, which is distinguished by the absence of sternal gills (processes). A phylogenetic analysis affirms the monophyly of the hubbsi group and suggests that a relatively strong clade of 10 species exists in the far western states of California, Oregon and Washington. A taxon-area cladogram reveals a moderately strong relationship between terminal taxa and physiographic provinces, which are designated as areas in the analysis. In contrast to eastern North America, where many distinct species groups of Stygobromus are recognized, taxonomic diversity is significantly reduced among the western species. A majority of species of Stygobromus in western North America, especially those in the hubbsi group, are closely similar morphologically, leading to the conclusion that many of them are derived from a common ancestor formerly widespread across much of the region.

Notes:

Location: ANIMAL EF: STYGOBROMUS IDAHOENSIS; ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Invertebrates

Full Citation: Wang, D., and J. R. Holsinger. 2001. Systematics of the subterranean amphipod genus Stygobromus (Crangonyctidae) in western North America, with emphasis on the hubbsi group. Amphipacifica 3(2): 39-147.

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Wang D, Holsinger JR. 2001. Systematics of the subterranean amphipod genus Stygobromus (Crangonyctidae) in western North America, with emphasis on species of the hubbsi group. Amphipacifica. 3(2):39–147

Reference Code: A01WAN01IDUS