Philippiphonte aspidosoma gen. et sp n., a radically divergent member of the Laophontidae from shell gravel in the East Sea, South Korea, including a review of Folioquinpes Fiers & Rutledge, 1990 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida)

Abstract

The primarily marine subtidal family Laophontidae not only contains more valid genera than any other family in the Harpacticoida, it is also one of the most speciose ones in the order, currently accommodating 327 species and subspecies. Based on published records, 25 laophontid species in 12 genera have so far been reported from Korean waters. Here both sexes of a new genus and species of Laophontidae are described, collected from shell gravel off Dokdo Island in the East Sea. Philippiphonte aspidosoma gen. et sp. n. displays a radically divergent morphology, including an extreme dorsoventrally depressed body shape which is reminiscent of members of the family Porcellidiidae. The convergent evolution of dorsoventrally flattened body plans in the Harpacticoida is briefly discussed. The distribution and habitat preference of laophontid species recorded from the Korean peninsula are summarised. The authenticity of the Korean record of Folioquinpes mangalis Fiers & Rutledge, 1990 from washings of invertebrates and intertidal stones from Jeju Island is reassessed in the light of a discussion of the genus. Folioquinpes pseudomangalis sp. n. and F. indicus sp. n. are proposed as new species for Folioquinpes mangalis Fiers & Rutledge, 1990 sensu Kim (2013) and Laophonte chathamensis Sars, 1905 sensu Sewell (1924), respectively. A key to species of Folioquinpes Fiers & Rutledge, 1990 is provided.