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| Munidopsis sedna Rodríguez-Flores, Ambler & Nizinski, 2024 |
Abstract
The western Atlantic Ocean harbors a diverse fauna of squat lobsters, particularly in the family Munidopsidae. This study introduces Munidopsis sedna sp. nov., a species only found in the Gulf of Mexico and the first species reported to be endemic to cold seeps in the western Atlantic. Our investigation incorporates morphological analyses including micro-CT scanning evidence, multilocus molecular phylogeny, and mtDNA phylogeography, as well as ecological data derived from in situ observations and geographic distribution patterns to substantiate the recognition of the new species. Shallow molecular divergences and multiple morphological differences differentiate the new species from its closest relative, M. longimanus (A. Milne-Edwards, 1880). Additionally, we explore the potential scenario for ecological speciation within this newly identified taxon and discuss its significance in the context of conservation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.
Key Words: Anomura, Atlantic, barcoding, chemosynthetic systems, morphology, nanopore, speciation
Superfamily Galatheoidea Samouelle, 1819
Family Munidopsidae Ortmann, 1898
Genus Munidopsis Whiteaves, 1874
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| In situ image of Munidopsis sedna sp. nov. in a brine pool in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo courtesy of the BBC. |
Munidopsis sedna sp. nov.
Etymology: In Inuit mythology, Sedna is the goddess of the sea and marine animals, also known as the Mother or Mistress of the Sea. The specific name is substantive in apposition.
Paula C. Rodríguez-Flores, Julie W. Ambler and Martha S. Nizinski. 2024. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Deep-sea Squat Lobster (Galatheoidea, Munidopsidae) from Cold Seeps in the Gulf of Mexico. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(4): 1243-1257. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.127169
