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| Cherax wagenknechtae |
Abstract
A new species of the genus Cherax is described and illustrated. Cherax wagenknechtae sp. nov., endemic to the Beraur and Klasabun River drainages in the western part of the Kepala Burung (Vogelkop) peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia, is described, figured and compared with its closest relatives, Cherax pulcher Lukhaup, 2015. The new species may be easily distinguished from Cherax pulcher by the shape of the chelae, rostrum and body, and coloration.
Key Words: freshwater, molecular phylogeny, morphology New Guinea, taxonomy
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| Cherax wagenknechtae sp. nov. A. Paratype male (MZB Cru 5360) Beraur River drainage; B. Idem, side view; C. Idem frontal view; D. Allotype female (MZB Cru 5361). |
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| Cherax wagenknechtae sp. nov. holotype male (MZB Cru 5359). A. Dorsal view of carapace; B. Dorsal view of left chelae; C. Ventral view of left chelae; D. Scaphocerite dorsal view. Scale bars: 10 mm (A, B, C, D). |
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| Cherax wagenknechtae sp. nov. A. Paratype male (MZB Cru 5360) Beraur River drainage; B. Idem, side view; C. Idem frontal view; D. Allotype female (MZB Cru 5361). |
Cherax wagenknechtae sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Carapace surface covered with scattered small tubercles, three spines posterior to cervical groove on lateral carapace present. Eyes large, pigmented. Cornea as broad as eyestalk. Rostrum lance shaped with elevated, thickened margins, non-setose. Rostral margins with three prominent teeth. Posterior extensions of the rostral margins prominent. Postorbital ridges prominent with one acute spine at anterior terminus. Uncalcified patch on lateral margin of chelae of adult male, white, translucent. Propodal cutting edge with a few short setae in posterior part and one large tubercle. Chelae pinkish red, becoming dark red to black in the lateral and anterior part. Fixed finger and dayctyl with hooked yellow tips anteriorly. Dorsolateral margins of chelae slightly elevated, usually pink or creamy. Other walking legs blue-gray. Carapace and pleon pinkish red dorsally, becoming reddish gray laterally.
Etymology. Cherax wagenknechtae sp. nov. is named after Sahra Wagenknecht, an outstanding German left-wing politician, economist, author and publicist. She inspired the first author to fight determinedly for a better and fairer future for us all. This is the best way we know to thank her for her much appreciated service and effort to represent the socially disadvantaged, her fight for freedom, peace and a rare talent to unite morals and politics.
Christian Lukhaup and Rury Eprilurahman. 2022. A New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax from Indonesian New Guinea (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 98(2): 411-425. DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.94753
