Maera epuwingkul (Amphipoda, Maeridae): a new species of amphipod from the coast of San Matías Gulf, Argentina

Abstract

A new species of amphipod, Maera epuwingkul sp. nov. (Maeridae), is described from San Matías Gulf in Río Negro, Argentina. The species was first found during surveys focused on the analysis of diversity associated with the introduced macroalga Undaria pinnatifida. After its dissection and morphological analysis, we concluded that this is a new species of the genus Maera. This species is characterized by gnathopod 1 propodus with an anterodistal robust seta, gnathopod 2 palm with two triangular humps, and telson with three simple dorsal setae on each lobe. We provide a detailed description of the species along with its illustrations.