Cryptic Barrow Island Slater 1
Spherillo
FP-2677 (BWI sp. 1)
Discoverer: S. Judd (2013)
Fauna Portal species: 2677
Spherillo FP-2677 (BWI sp. 1), lateral (WAM C51695)
Image: Judd & Perina (2013; fig. 44)
Fauna Portal Image No. 1886Diagnosis
(after Judd & Perina 2013): This is an undescribed species defined by: pleopod exopodites not interlocking and with the fifth pair visible; distal part of uropod exopodites short and quadrangular; frontal shield flat to vertex; wide lateral groove present on pereonite 1; and dorsal surface without conspicuous setae.
While there are clearly at least two species of this type on Barrow Island, these are very small, cryptic animals which are rarely collected. There are numerous morphologically similar, but different species in Spherillo, and all are likely to be highly range-restricted. The morphological work required to confidently determine species has not been conducted.
Status
- native
Fauna Portal Reference
Australia
- Western Australia
Similar Species
Publications
(2013): An illustrated key to the morphospecies of terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Oniscidea) of Barrow Island, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement. 83: 185 - 207