SUBORDER: PHREATOICIDEA
Stebbing, 1893
Gary C.B. Poore, Brenton Knott, Helen M. Lew Ton & George D.F. Wilson
INTRODUCTION
The Phreatoicidea are a group of freshwater and subterranean isopods that occurs in India,
South Africa and New Zealand, but are most diverse in Australia. The epigean (surfaceliving) species are best recognised by their amphipod-like appearance with a narrow body
and well-developed pleonal epimera enclosing the pleopods. The fully hypogean
(subterranean) species forms lack these features and appear worm-like. A single pair of
styliform terminal uropods is characteristic of this isopod suborder.
The group is represented by Carboniferous to Permian marine fossils from the Northern
Hemisphere and Triassic freshwater fossils in Australia (Nicholls 1944; Schram 1986).
Nicholls (1943, 1944) recognised two families, Amphisopidae (=Amphisopodidae) and
Phreatoicidae. Both families are quite heterogeneous, and have poorly defined subfamilies.
In this work, Knott's (1975) recommendations for elevating Nicholls' subfamilies names to
families are partially employed. Some genera, however, are shifted from their place in either
Nicholls' or Knott's scheme. Recent phylogenetic estimates of many or most genera in the
suborder (Wilson & Johnson 1999; Wilson & Keable 2001) suggest that some family-level
taxa are sufficiently well supported to receive recognition, whereas others have uncertain
relationships. As a result, some genera have not been placed in this classificatory scheme.
The family Nichollsiidae Tiwari, 1951 is a junior synonym of the Hypsimetopodidae
Nicholls, 1943 in the new scheme introduced here. The phreatoicid subfamily Phreatoicinae
is restricted to New Zealand taxa, based on the recently revised Phreatoicus typicus Chilton
(see Wilson & Fenwick 1999). Therefore, the subfamily for the south-eastern Australian
Phreatoicidae is (provisionally) Mesacanthotelsoninae Nicholls, 1944. This latter subfamily
is not well defined, and may be paraphyletic with some of the other subfamilies, possibly the
New Zealand Phreatoicinae.
We eliminated the subspecies category in phreatoicidean taxonomy because most subspecies
in isopod taxonomy have been based on taxa with diagnosable differences, but with no
evidence for introgression between the subspecies. This decision results in a increase in the
described species in the suborder. In Australia, however, many species remain undescribed:
estimates suggest that the total fauna may exceed 250 species (Wilson & Keable 2001).
Approximately a quarter of the 56 described species of phreatoicideans are subterranean or
hypogean forms. Most of the species, except for the semiterrestrial Phreatoicopsis terricola are
dependent on permanent ground water. Knott (1986) listed the distribution of many species and
discussed their peculiar biology. Banarescu (1990) provided distributions of species in this
suborder, but unfortunately uses nomina nuda from an unpublished thesis (Knott 1975).
Diagnosis
Head capsule much deeper than broad, eyes, if present, near anterior margin. Pleonite pleurae,
if present (reduced among Hypsimetopodidae), projecting ventrally. Pleotelson vaulted, higher
than broad. Pleonite 5 longer than pleonites 1-4. Antennal article 1 absent or reduced to thin
ring; article 3 without scale. Mandibular spine row with bifurcate spines adjacent to the lacinia
mobilis (variously reduced in several species). Pleopod exopod I uniarticulate, exopods II-V
biarticulate. Pleopod with lateral and medial epipods (although variously reduced on anterior
pleopods). Uropods robust, styliform, projecting ventrally and posteriorly.
62
PHREATOIClDEA
References
Banarescu, P. (J 990). Zoogeography offresh waters. General distribution and dispersal of
freshwater animals. Wiesbaden, Germany: Aula-Verlag Vol. 1 511 pp.
Knott, B (1986). Isopoda: Phreatoicidea. pp. 486-492 in Botosaneaunu, L. & Stock, 1.H.
(eds) Stygofauna Mundi. A faunistic, distributional, and ecological synthesis of the world
fauna inhabiting subterranean waters (including the marine interstitial). Leiden : Brill
Knott, B. (1975). Systematic studies on the Phreatoicoidea (Order Isopoda) with a discussion
on the phylogeny and zoogeography of other freshwater malacastrocan crustaceans from
Australia and Tasmania. Unpubl. PhD thesis, University of Tasmania, Hobart. 344 pp.
Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea. Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145
Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea. Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157
Schram, F.R. (1986). Crustacea. New York: Oxford University Press xii 606 pp.
Stebbing, T.R.R. (1893). A History of Crustacea. Recent Malacostraca. London: Kegan
Paul, Trench, Trubner and Co. xvii 466 pp.
Tiwari, K.K. (1955). Nichollsidae, a new family of Phreatoicoidea (Crustacea: Isopoda).
Rec. Indian Mus. 53: 293-295
Wilson, G.D.F & Keable, S.l. (2001). Systematics of the Phreatoicidea. pp. 175-194 in
Brusca, R.e. & Kensley, B. Isopod Systematics and Evolution. Crust. Issues 13: 175-194
Wilson, G.D.F. & Fenwick, G.D. (1999). Taxonomy and ecology of Phreatoicus typicus
Chilton, 1883 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Phreatoicidae). J. R. Soc. N.z. 29(1): 41-64
Wilson, G.D.F. & lohnson, R.T. (1999). Ancient endemism among freshwater isopods
(Crustacea, Phreatoicidea). pp. 264-268 in Ponder, W.F. & Lunney, D. (eds) The Other
99%. The Conservation and Biodiversity of Invertebrates. Mossman: Royal Zoological
Society of New South Wales 454 pp.
63
AMPHISOPODIDAE Nicholls, 1943
Synamphisopus sp.
[from Wilson & Keable 2001]
INTRODUCTION
Amphisopodids are inhabitants of permanent freshwater lakes, streams, springs and seeps.
One species, Phreatomerus latipes, lives along the margins of hot, saline springs in South
Australia, a notable departure from the typical habits of most other species in the suborder.
The members of the family are found in southern Western Australia, South Australia and
Victoria (Grampians). The three genera from Nicholls' Amphisopodinae and one genus from
the Phreatomerinae are included in the redefined Amphisopodidae, based on a wellsupported clade (Wilson & Keable 200 I). This family is no longer based on the presence of
the plesiomorphic right lacinia mobilis, which can be shown to be present in various forms
in most phreatoicideans.
Diagnosis
Head short, slightly deeper than long, dorsally smooth; cervical groove absent; antennal notch
absent. Eyes large, prominent, ocelli distinct as individual units. Coxae fused to body. Pleonites
with large pleurae, much deeper than body in lateral view, bases of pleopods not visible.
Pleotelson posterior margin reflexed dorsally, with distinct vertical lateral plates above
insertion of uropods. Gut lacking typhlosole and hind gut caecae. Antennula terminal article
either tubular or conical, penultimate article similar in length to more proximal articles. Both
mandibles with lacinia mobilis. Pereopods with articular plate on distal posterior side of
propodus. Pereopods 5-7 bases with prominent dorsal plate. Pleopodal endopods without
plumose setae. Pleopod 2 appendix masculina acutely pointed and spine-like, with partiallyenclosed ventral groove. Uropodal rami distally rounded with robust terminal seta.
References
Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea. Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145
Wilson, G.D.F & Keable, S.J. (200 I). Systematics of the Phreatoicidea. pp. 175-194 in
Brusca, R.C. & Kensley, B. Isopod Systematics and Evolution. Crust. Issues 13: 175-194
64
AMPHISOPODIDAE
Amphisopus Nicholls, 1926
Distribution: WA (SW coastal).
Ecology: swamp; in ditches, swampy ground and drains
from swamp.
Amphisopus Nicholls, G.E. (1926). A description of two new
genera and species of Phreatoicidae, with a discussion of the
affinities of the members of this family. J. R. Soc. West. Aust.
12: 179-210 [182].
Type species: Phreatoicus !intoni Nicholls, 1924 by original
designation.
Paramphisopus montanus Nicholls, 1943
Paramphisopus montanus Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [73].
Type data: syntypes TMH G717, G718, G796 severallots*,
WAM specimens lost* (Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part 11. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157, p. 75, indicates types were 'lodged in the
collection of the Museum, Perth, WA').
Type locality: "The Lakes", 32 miles E of Perth, WA, 'The
Lakes', just off the York Road, about thirty -two miles due
east of Perth, W.A.
Amphisopus annectans Nicholls, 1943
Amphisopus annectans Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [82].
Type data: syntypes WAM 244-74*.
Type locality: Warren, 7 miles S ofPemberton, WA.
Distribution: W A (SW coastal); found in and around
Warren National Park.
Ecology: spring, swamp.
Distribution: WA (SW coastal).
Ecology: lentic freshwater, lake,
freshwater.
Amphisopus lintoni (Nicholls, 1924)
mud bottom-
Paramphisopus palustris (Glauert, 1924)
Phreatoicus /intoni Nicholls, G.E. (1924). Phreatoicus
!intoni, a new species of freshwater isopod from southwestern Australia. J. R. Soc. West. Aust. 10: 91-104 [93].
Type data: type status and whereabouts unknown*
(specimens presumed lost; Jones, D.S. (1986). A catalogue of
type specimens of Crustacea in the Westem Australian
Museum, Perth. Rec. West Aust. Mus. 13: 1-46 states that the
Western Australian Museum holds syntypes (WAM 218-74);
these slides carry labels showing the date of collection as
August and September, 1924. As the description of
Phreatoicus !intoni was published in May 1924, these cannot
be types).
Type locality; small creek opening into the King River, a
distance of twenty miles or less, north-east from Albany,
WA.
Taxonomic decision for new combination: Nicholls, G.E.
(1943). The Phreatoicoidea. Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap.
Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [75] (Amphisopus lintoni
(Nicholls, 1924)).
Phreatoicus palustris Glauert, L. (1924). A freshwater
isopod Phreatoicus palustris n.sp. J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust.
10: 49-57 [51].
Type data: syntypes WAM 10249-10273, 217-73, 221-74
several lots *.
Type locality: 'Dog Swamp' (Chinamens Garden), N end of
Smiths lake, North Perth, WA.
Distribution: WA (SW coastal); Nicholls, G.E. (1944).
The Phreatoicoidea. Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap.
Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [71] (in numerous
coastal swamps and shallow lakes in the immediate
vicinity of Perth).
Ecology: lentic freshwater, swamp, mud bottomfreshwater.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1942: 1-145 (redescription, ecology).
Distribution: WA (SW coastal); known only from
limital area, Albany, Western Australia.
Ecology: lotic freshwater, swamp; among roots of
green water plants.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1942: 1-145 (redescription, ecology).
Phreatomerus Sheppard, 1927
Phreatomerus Sheppard, E.M. (1927). Revision of the
family Phreatoicidae (Crustacea), with a description of two
new species. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1927: 81-124 [113].
Type species: Phreatoicus latipes Chilton, 1922 by
subsequent designation, see Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [87].
Paramphisopus Nicholls, 1943
Phreatomerus latipes (Chilton, 1922)
Paramphisopus Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1942:
1-145 [57].
Type species: Phreatoicus palustris Glauert, 1924 by
original designation.
Phreatoicus latipes Chilton, C. (1922). A new isopod from
Central Australia belonging to the Phreatoicidae. Trans. R.
Soc. S. Aust. 46: 23-33 [26].
Type data: holotype SAMA C432*.
Type locality: Maree (Hergott) bore and near Coward, SA.
Paramphisopus fairbridgei Nicholls, 1943
Distribution: SA (Lake Eyre basin).
Ecology: thermal spring.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1942: 1-145 (redescription).
Paramphisopus palustris fairbridgei Nicholls, G.E. (1943).
The Phreatoicoidea. :part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R.
Soc. Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [71].
Type data: syntypes TMH G716, G828, G830, G831 *.
Type locality: Fairbridge farm and Pinjarra, W A.
65
AMPHISOPODIDAE
Synamphisopus Nicholls, 1943
Type data: syntypes SAMA C2115 carcass*, SAMA C2116
slides, lost*.
Type locality: Fish Falls, Grampians, VIC.
Synamphisopus Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea. Part
I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [95].
Type species: Amphisopus ambiguus Sheard, 1936 by original
designation.
Distribution: VIe (SE coastal).
Ecology: burrowing, terrestrial.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1942: 1-145 (redescription, ecology).
Synamphisopus ambiguus (Sheard, 1936)
Amphisopus amhiguus Sheard, K. (1936). A new phreatoicid
from the Grampians, Victoria. Rec. S. Aust. Mus. 5: 469-473
[469].
66
HYPSIMETOPODIDAE Nicholls, 1943
Pilbarophreatoicus platyarthricus
[from Knott & RaIse 1999]
INTRODUCTION
Members of this family are subterranean or at least surface burrowers. They occur in Western
Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and notably India (Banarescu 1990). The Indian genus Nichollsia
Chopra & Tiwari, 1950 is somewhat abberrant in the adult male form, but the juveniles and
females are similar to Pilbarophreatoicus Knott & RaIse 1999 (compare Gupta 1989 and Knott
& RaIse 1999), and indeed appear in cladograms near this new genus (Wilson & Iohnson 1999;
Wilson & Keable 2001). The diagnosis has been written for Australian taxa only.
Diagnosis
Generally elongate, colourless phreatoicideans. Read lacking eyes or mandibular (genal)
groove. Pereon narrow, width close to head width. Typhlosole absent, gut round in cross
section. Pleonites depth in lateral view equal to depth of pereonites, with at most small
ventrolateral plates (pleurae), basal region of pleopods visible; pleonite 1 pleura subequal to
depth of pleonites 2-5 pleurae. Pleotelson lateral length greater than depth; telsonic medial
region broadly indented, not reflexed, lateral lobes absent. Pereopods 2-3 or 2-4 propodus
articular plate either absent or tiny. Pereopods 5-7 propodus lacking articular plate; basis
dorsal ridge present but only angular, never plate-like. Pleopod exopods 2-5 proximal article
distolaterallobes sub equal or longer than distal article, endopods 1-5 without marginal setae.
Pleopodal protopods without lateral epipods. Male pleopod 2 endopod appendix masculina
distal tip pointed and spine-like, or at least acutely rounded. Uropodal protopod ventral ridge
lacking long simple setae projecting laterally; rami distal tips pointed, endopod usually
lacking robust setae or spurs on dorsal margin.
References
Banarescu, P. (1990). Zoogeography offresh waters. General distribution and dispersal of
freshwater animals. Wiesbaden, Germany: Aula-Verlag Vol. 1 511 pp.
Chopra, B. & Tiwari, K.K. (1950). On a new genus of phreatoicid isopod from wells in
Benaras. Rec. Ind. Mus. 47: 277-289
67
HYPSIMETOPODlDAE
Gupta, L.P. (1989). Monograph on Nichollsia kashiensis Chopra & Tiwari, 1950 (Crustacea:
Isopoda: Phreatoicidea: Nichollsidae). Mem. Zoo!. Surv. India 2: 1-160
Knott, B. & Halse, S. (1999). Pilbarophreatoicus platyarthricus n.gen., n.sp. (Isopoda:
Phreatoicidea: Amphisopodidae) from the Pilbara region of West em Australia. Rec. Aust.
Mus. 51(1): 33-42
Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea. Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145
Wilson, G.D.F & Keable, S.J. (2001). Systematics of the Phreatoicidea. pp. 175-194 in
Brusca, R.e. & Kensley, B. Isopod Systematics and Evolution. Crust. Issues 13: 175-194
Wilson, G.D.F. & Johnson"R.T. (1999). Ancient endemism among freshwater isopods
(Crustacea, Phreatoicidea). pp. 264-268 in Ponder, W.F. & Lunney, D. (eds) The Other
99%. The Conservation and Biodiversity of Invertebrates. Mossman: Royal Zoological
Society of New South Wales 454 pp.
Hyperoedesipus Nicholls & Milner, 1923
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: commensal, swamp; in burrows of Engaeus
canicularius (Parastacidae).
Hyperoedesipus Nicholls, O.E. & Milner, D.F. (1923). A
new genus of fresh-water Isopoda allied to Phreatoicus. J. R.
Soc. West. Aust. 10: 23-34 [23].
Type species: Hyperoedesipus plumosus Nicholls & Milner,
1923 by monotypy.
Phreatoicoides Sayce, 1900
Phreatoicoides Sayce, O.A. (1900). Phreatoicoides, a new
genus offreshwater Isopoda. Proc. R. Soc. Vict. 13: 122-138
[124].
Type species: Phreatoicoides gracilis Sayce, 1900 by
monotypy.
Hyperoedesipus plumosus Nicholls & Milner, 1923
Hyperoedesipus plumosus Nicholls, O.E. & Milner, D.F.
(1923). A new genus of fresh-water Isopoda allied to
Phreatoicus. J. R. Soc. West. Aust. 10: 23-34 [24].
Type data: syntypes WAM 10665/6, 229-74*, TMH 0683,
0684*, BMNH 1 specimen* (identified as Phreatoicoides
plumosus by Sheppard, 1927; specimens sent by Nicholls).
Type locality: Lesmurdie Falls, Darling Range, W A.
Phreatoicoides gracilis Sayce, 1900
Phreatoicoides gracilis Sayce, O.A. (1900). Phreatoicoides,
a new genus of freshwater Isopoda. Proc. R. Soc. Vict. 13:
122-138 [124].
Type data: syntypes NMV 1208 10*.
Type locality: Thorpdale, VIe.
Distribution: WA (SW coastal); Nicholls, G.E. (1944).
The Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap.
Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [144] mentions
finding this species in the same vial with Colubotelson
setiferus from a wooden pipeline in Tasmania ne&!,
Scottsdale, almost certainly an error.
Ecology: aquatic, spring*, underground water*;
appears only after heavy rains in spring-fed pool.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1942: 1-145 (redescription, biology and rejected
placement of Sheppard (1927)).
Distribution: VIC (SE coastal).
Ecology: lotic freshwater.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1942: 1-145 (redescription).
Phreatoicoides longicollis Nicholls, 1943
Phreatoicoides longicollis Nicholls, O.E. (1943). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [136].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0586, 03147 severallots*, WAM
227-74 slides only, no carcasses*.
Type locality: near Queenstown and Mt Heemskirk, near
Zeehan, T AS.
Hypsimetopus Sayce, 1902
Hypsimetopus Sayce, O.A. (1902). A new genus of
Phreatoicidae. Proc. R. Soc. Vict. 14: 218-224 [219].
Type species: Hypsimetopus intrusor Sayce, 1902 by
monotypy.
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: swamp, terrestrial.
Phreatoicoides wadhami Nicholls, 1943
Hypsimetopus intrusor Sayce, 1902
Phreatoicoides wadhami Nicholls, O.E. (1943). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [144].
Type data: holotype TMH 0758 3* (undesignated by
Nicholls, but label in vial by Nicholls identifies specimen to
Hypsimetopus intrusor Sayce, O.A. (1902). A new genus of
Phreatoicidae. Proc. R. Soc. Vict. 14: 218-224 [219].
Type data: type status and whereabouts unknown*.
Type locality: Zeehan, TAS.
68
HYPSIMETOPODlDAE
Pilbarophreatoicus platyarthricus Knott & RaIse,
1999
genus and specimen corresponds to original description
according to information associated with the specimen).
Type locality: Beech Forest, Otway Mts, VIC.
Pilbarophreatoicus platyarthricus
Knot!, B. & Halse, S.
(1999). Pilbarophreatoicus platyarthricus n.gen., n.sp.
(Isopoda: Phreatoicidea: Amphisopodidae) from the Pilbara
region of Western Australia. Rec. Aust. Mus. 51(1): 33-42 [34].
Type data: holotype WAM C23241 0* (length 12 mm, partially
dissected, appendages on 2 slides), paratypes WAM C23242 2
juv.*, WAM C23243 3 juv.*.
Type locality: Nyeetberry Pool on limmawurrada Creek,
tributary of Robe River, Pilbara, WA [21"51.6'S 1J6°30.7'E by
GPS].
Distribution: VIe (SE coastal).
Ecology: swamp; in sphagnum moss.
Pilbarophreatoicus Knott & RaIse, 1999
Pilbarophreatoicus Knot!, B. & Halse, S. (1999).
Pilbarophreatoicus platyarthricus n.gen., n.sp. (Isopoda:
Phreatoicidea: Amphisopodidae) from the Pilbara region of
Western Australia. Rec. Aust. Mus. 51(1): 33-42 [34].
Type species: Pilbarophreatoicus platyarthricus Knot! &
Halse, 1999 by monotypy.
Distribution: WA (NW coastal); Pilbara Region.
Ecology: aquatic, detritivore, underground water.
69
PHREATOICIDAE Chilton., 1891
Crenoicus harrisoni
[from Wilson & Ho 1996]
INTRODUCTION
Phreatoicids live in freshwater streams and lakes throughout the south-eastern Australian
mainland, Tasmania and New Zealand. Nicholls (1944) divided the Phreatoicidae into three
subfamilies, Phreatoicinae, Mesacanthotelsoninae and Paraphreatoicinae. The New Zcaland
Phreatoicinae are distinct from the Australian forms (Wilson & Fenwick 1999; Wilson &
Johnson 1999; Wilson & Keable 200 I), so this subfamily is herein excluded from Australian
taxa. We assign all Phreatoicidae from Australia to the family-group name
Mesacanthotelsoninae Nicholls, 1944 owing to its page priority over Paraphreatoicinae
Nicholls, 1944. The subfamily category is retained in this instance owing to well established
synapomorphics of thc Australian and New Zealand phreatoicids and less support for nonphreatoicine clades (Wilson & Keable 200 I; unpublished data). The typc gcnera of thc two
subfamilies, Mesacanthotelson and Paraphreatoicus, might be closely related.
Diagnosis
Head with well-developed cervical groove. Pleonites much deeper than pereonites in lateral
view, with large pleurae, basal region of pleopods not visible; plconite 1 pleura distinctly
shallower than pleurae of pleonites 2-5. Right mandible without distinct lacinia mobilis.
Mandibular spine rows on linear pedunculate projection between incisor and molar.
Pereopods with articular plate on posterior side of propodus. Pleopodal protopods III-V only
with lateral epipods. Uropodal protopod with distoventral robust denticulate seta.
References
Chilton, C. (1891). On a new and peculiar freshwater isopod from Mt. Kosciusko. Rec. Aust.
Mus. 1: 149-171, pis XXII-XXVI
Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea. Part Il. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157
70
PHREATOICIDAE
Wilson, G.D.F & Keable, S.l. (2001). Systematics of the Phreatoicidea. pp. 175-194 in
Brusca, R.e. & Kensley, B. Isopod Systematics and Evolution. Crust. Issues 13: 175-194
Wilson, G.D.F. & Fenwick, G.D. (1999). Taxonomy and ecology of Phreatoicus typicus
Chilton, 1883 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Phreatoicidae). J. R. Soc. N.z. 29(1): 41-64
Wilson, G.D.F. & lohnson, R.T. (1999). Ancient endemism among freshwater isopods
(Crustacea, Phreatoicidea). pp. 264-268 in Ponder, W.F. & Lunney, D. (eds) The Other
99%. The Conservation and Biodiversity of Invertebrates. Mossman: Royal Zoological
Society of New South Wales 454 pp.
71
MESACANTHOTELSONINAE Nicholls, 1944
INTRODUCTION
Crenoicus Nicholls, 1944 is transferred to this subfamily from the Phreatoicinae and
Uramphisopus Nicholls, 1943 is removed from Phreatoicopsinae. In the following, we have
elevated Nicholls' subspecies to species level, owing to a lack of information to support the
subspecies category. Most of the features in the diagnosis for this subfamily are
plesiomorphies at the level of the Phreatoicidae. Nicholls described numerous species and
subspecies of phreatoicids, many from single specimens, which are now lost.
Diagnosis
Pleotelson with medial lobe re flexed dorsally; lateral lobes rounded (not as vertical plate)
and distinctly separated from medial lobe. Mandible incisor process broad, wider than thick.
Pleopodal protopods 2-5 with medial epipods. Uropodal rami distally spine-like and pointed,
terminal robust seta not distinctly separated from ramus.
References
Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea. Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145
Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea. Part
Tasm. 1943: 1-157
Colacanthotelson Nicholls, 1944
Colacanthotelson
Nicholls,
G.E.
(1944).
The
Phreatoicoidea. Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [99].
Type species: Colacanthotelson rugosus Nicholls, 1944 by
original designation.
n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Colubotelson campestris Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson campestris Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part IT. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [116].
Type data: syntypes whereabouts unknown*'
. Type locality: Huntingfield, TAS.
Distribution: TAS; Huntingfield, near west shore of the
Derwent River.
Ecology: lentic freshwater, mud bottom-freshwater;
small pond in cow paddock.
Reference: Smith, G.W. (1909). The freshwater
Crustacea of Tasmania, with remarks on their
geographical distribution. Trans. Linn. Sac. Land.
(2)11: 61-92 [72] (as Phreatoicus australis).
Colacanthotelson rugosus Nicholls, 1944
Colacanthotelson rugosus Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [99].
Type data: syntypes (probable) TMH G616 cl* (single
damaged specimen).
Type locality: Thomsons Flat, Mt Kosciusko and Pipers
Creek, NSW.
Colubotelson chiltoni (Sheppard, 1927)
Phreatoicus chi/ton; Sheppard, E.M. (1927). Revision of the
family Phreatoicidae (Crustacea), with a description of two
new species. Proc. Zoo!. Soc. Lond. 1927: 81-124 [105].
Type data: syntypes (probable)* (G. Smith's material
collected in 1908/9 not found), USNM 97614 (cat.no.
60657) 5* (specimens collected by W.M. Tattersall in 1914).
Type locality: Great Lake, T AS, under stones at Todd's
Corner, Great Lake, TAS.
Distribution: NSW (SE coastal); Mt Kosciusko region.
Ecology: alpine, lotic freshwater, spring.
Colubotelson Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson Nicholls, G.B. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1157 [108].
Type species: Phreatoicus joyneri Nicholls, 1926 by original
designation.
Distribution: TAS; Great Lake and Shannon lagoon.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater.
Reference: Smith, G.W. (1909). The freshwater
72
PHREATOICIDAE: MESACANTHOTELSONINAE
Crustacea of Tasmania, with remarks on their
geographical distribution. Trans. Linn. Soc. Land.
(2)11: 61-92 [71] (as Phreataicus australis).
Colubotelson huonensis Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson huonensis Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm.1943: 1-157 [118].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0557-58*
Type locality: Port Huon, TAS.
Colubotelson dubius Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson tattersalli dubius Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [135].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0745*.
Type locality: Oreat Lake at Todd's Corner, TAS.
Distribution: TAS; near sea-level.
Ecology: aquatic, lentic freshwater, temperate.
Colubotelson intermedius Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson intermedius Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [139].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0576, 0588, 0589, 0606, 0623,
0644,0646*.
Type locality: Oreat Lake and Shannon Lagoon, TAS.
Distribution: TAS; Great Lake.
Ecology: lotic freshwater, rock bottom, lake; under
stones in a creek.
Colubotelson evansi Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson evansi Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [114].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0789, 01853*
Type locality: Waratah, TAS.
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater.
Colubotelson joyneri (Nicholls, 1926)
Phreatoicusjoyneri Nicholls, O.E. (1926). A description of
two new genera and species of Phreatoicidae, with a
discussion of the affinities of the members of this family.
J. R. Soc. West. Aust. 12: 179-210 [183].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0671-72 several specimens*,
AM P8796
WAM CI04-61 * (possible syntype),
19 specimens* (possible syntypes).
Type locality: Mt Buffalo, VIC.
Distribution: TAS; Waratah, West Tasmania.
Ecology: lentic freshwater; found in ditches.
Colubotelson flynni Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson huonensis flynni Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [121].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0817*
Type locality: Eaglehawk Neck, TAS, see Nicholls, O.E.
(1944). The Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap.
Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [121].
Distribution: VIC (Murray-Darling basin).
Ecology: aquatic, lotic freshwater, montane, swamp; in
ditches and puddles, beneath sphagnum or in creeks.
Colubotelson minor Nicholls, 1944
Distribution: TAS; Eaglehawk Neck.
Ecology: juveniles-lentic freshwater*.
Colubotelson chiltoni minor Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [126].
Type data: syntypes (probable) TMH 0766 cl \'*.
Type locality: Pine Lake, N of the Oreat Lake, TAS.
Colubotelson jontinalis Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson fontinalis
Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [131].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0771, 0773, 0775, 0780, 0782,
0785, 0787 many specimens*, TMH 0783* (probable
syntype).
Type locality: Lemana Junction and around Deloraine, TAS.
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater.
Colubotelson sayeei Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson chiltoni saycei Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [127].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0556*
Type locality: Lake Petrarch, T AS.
Distribution: TAS; North Coastal region.
Ecology: aquatic, spring; in ditches and "springs in the
hillside" .
Colubotelson gesmithi Nicholls, 1944
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater, montane.
Colubotelson gesmithi
Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [122].
Type data: syntypes (probable) TMH 0555* (specimens
labelled "Mt Field National Park, Beatties Tarn and Nicholls
Lake").
Type locality: Mt Field, TAS.
Colubotelson searlei Nicholls, 1944
Colubotelson joyneri searlei Nicholls, O.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [110].
Type data: syntypes TMH 0761-63*.
Type locality: Mt Baw Baw, VIe.
Distribution: TAS; "in ditches crossing trail up Mt
Field".
Ecology: lotic freshwater, lake; from under moss and
liverwort in slowly flowing water of ditches.
Distribution: VIe.
Ecology: aquatic, lotic freshwater, montane, swamp; in
sphagnum bogs.
73
PHREATOICIDAE. MESACANIHOTELSONINAE
Crenoicus Nicholls, 1944
Coluboteison set({erus N icholls, 1944
Colubotelson setiferus
Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phrcatoicoidca. Part 11. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [142].
Type data: syntypcs TMH G554*.
Type locality: Scottsdale, TAS.
CrenoiCllS N ieholls, G. E. (1944). The Phrcatoieoidca. Part
11. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Sac. Tasm. 1943: 1-157
[21 ].
Type species: Crenoicus mixlus Nicholls, 1944 by original
designation.
Generic reference: Wilson, G.D.F. & Ho, E.L. (1996).
Crenoicus Nicholls, 1944 (Crustacea, Isopoda,
Phrcatoicidea): systematics and biology of a new
species from New South Wales. Rec. Aust. Mus. 48:
7-32 [8] (distribution, revision of genus).
Distribution: T AS.
Ecology: aquatic, 10tic freshwater*.
Reference: N icholls, G .E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. rasm.
[144] (stated, "in a wooden pipe-line
1943: QᄋセUW@
leading from the local reservoir").
Crenoicus buntiae Wilson & Ho, 1996
Crenoiclls bllntiae Wilson, G.D.F. & Ho, E.L. (1996).
Crcnoicus
Nicholls,
1944
(Crustacea,
Isopoda,
Phreatoicidea): systematics and biology of a new species
from New South Wales. Rcc. Aust. Mus. 48: 7-32 [15].
Type data: holotype AM P44348 cl' *, paratypes AM P44349
cl'* (dissectcd), AM P44350 '1* (intact), AM P33451 '1*,
AM P44352 'I * (partially dissected), AM P44353 'I *, AM
P44354 '1*, AM P44355 cl'*, AM P44356 cl'* (head only),
AM P44394 'I * (partially dissected), AM P44359 cl'*
(partially dissected), AM P44395 cl' * (partially dissected),
AM P44396 'I * (partially dissected), AM P44457 303 d' &
'I * (used for measurements), AM P44463 197 cl' & 'I * (used
for measurements), NMV J40520 cl' & 2'1 *, USNM 253241
cl' &2'1*, ZMUCCRUl774 cl' &2'1*'
Type locality: Mumbedah Swamps, Kanangra-Boyd National
Park, NSW.
Co/uboteison tattersalli (Sheppard, 1927)
Phreatoicus tattersalli Sheppard, E.M. (1927). Revision of the
family Phreatoicidae (Crustacca), with a description of two new
species. Proc. Zoo!. Sac. Land. 1927: 81-124 [102].
Type data: type status unknown BMNH* (type inspected by
Nicholls in 1929, sce Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part Il. Thc Phrcatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasl11. 1943: 1-157,
[140]).
Type locality: Todd's Corner, Great Lake, TAS, see Nicholls, G.E.
(1944). The Phreatoicoidea. Part Il. The Phrcatoicidae. Pap. Proc.
R. Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [135] (specimens not seen).
Taxonomic decision for new combination: Nieholls, G.E.
(1944). The Phrcatoicoidea. Part 11. The Phreatoicidac. Pap.
Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1943: QセUW@
[133] (types not seen, relied
on Sheppard, E.M. (1927). Revision of the family
Phrcatoicidae (Crustacea), with a description of two new
species. Proc. Zoo!. Soc. Land. 1927: 81-124).
Distribution: NSW (SE coastal).
Ecology: swamp; Sphagnum.
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lentic freshwater, lake.
Crenoicus harrisoni Nicholls, 1944
CrenoiCllS harrisoni Nicholls, G.E.
(1944).
The
Phreatoicoidea. Part II. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [28].
Type data: neotype AM P4076 cl' * (chosen from earlier
Hedley collection (1915) described by Chilton (1917) as
P. shephardi).
Subsequent designation: Wilson, G.D.F. & Ho, E.L. (1996).
Crenoicus
Nicholls,
1944
(Crustacea,
Isopoda,
Phreatoicidea): systematics and biology of a new species
from New South Wales. Rec. Aust. Mus. 48: 7-32 [12].
Type locality: Barrington Tops "near Dungog". Nicholls
(1944) must havc meant Mt Royal Range, i.e., Barrington
Tops, NSW, see Chilton, C. (1917). Notes on Australian
Isopoda. Trans. R. Soc. S. Aust. 41: 391-404 [82].
Co/uboteison thomsoni N icholls, 1944
Colllbotelson thomsoni Nicholls, G .E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part 11. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [Ill].
Type data: syntypcs TMH G768, G770, G790-93, G840,
G844* (collections made at different times), OUM 5388 part
only*'
Type locality: Mt Ridgeway Reservoir and its overflow,
Mt Wellington, TAS.
Distribution: TAS; Mt Wellington.
Ecology: aquatic, lotic freshwater.
References: Thomson, G.M. (1893). Notes on
Tasmanian Crustacea, with descriptions of new species.
Pap. Proc. R. Soc. rasm. 1892: 45-76 [76] (as
Phreatoicus australis); Thomson, G.M. (1894). On a
new specics of Phreatoicus from Tasmania. Ann. Mag.
Nat. Hist. (6)13: 349-351 [349] (as Phreatoicus
tasmaniae); Smith, G.W. (1909). The freshwater
Crustacea of Tasmania, with remarks on their
geographical distribution. Trans. Linn. Soc, Lond.
(2)11: 61-92 [72, pJ.12, fig. 4 (pars)] (as Phreatoicus
australis); Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part 11. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. rasm.
1943: 1-157 [lll] (some records of other species
reassigned to this species).
Distribution: NSW (SE coastal); known only from
limital area.
Ecology: lotic freshwater, swamp; subalpine,
Crenoicus mixtus Nicholls, 1944
mixtlls
Nicholls,
G .E.
(1944).
The
CrenoiCllS
Phreatoicoidea. Part I!. Thc Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasl11. 1943: 1-157 [23].
Type data: syntypes whereabouts unknown*.
Type locality: Dividing Range near Ballarat, VIC.
Distribution: VIC (SE coastal).
Ecology: spring, swamp, freshwater.
74
PHREATOICIDAE: MESACANTHOTELSONINAE
Crenoicus shephardi (Sayce, 1900)
Mesacanthotelson tasmaniae (Thomson, 1894)
Phreatoicus shephardi Sayce, O.A. (1900). Phreatoicus
shephardi, a new species of freshwater Isopoda from
Victoria. Proc. R. Soc. Vict. 113: 25-28 [26].
Phreatoicus tasmaniae Thomson, G.M. (1894). On a new
species of Phreatoicus from Tasmania. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist.
,,*
(6)13: 349-351 [349].
Type data: type status and whereabouts unknown*'
Type locality: Great Lake, TAS.
Type data: holotype NMV J213
(mouthparts missing).
Type locality: Wallaby Creek, Plenty Ranges, VIC.
Distribution: VIC (SE coastal).
Ecology: lotic freshwater, spring.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1943: 1-157 (redescription).
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lentic freshwater, lake.
References: Smith, G.W. (1909). The freshwater
Crustacea of Tasmania, with remarks on their
geographical distribution. Trans. Linn. Soc. Land.
(2)11: 61-92 [73, pI. 12 figs 7, 8, 11] (as Phreatoicus
spinosus); Sheppard, E.M. (1927). Revision of the
family Phreatoicidae (Crustacea), with a description of
two new species. Proc. Zool. Soc. Land. 1927: 81-124
[94, figs 2(2)-(5), 3, 4] (as Phreatoicus tasmaniae);
Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea. Part 11. The
Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1-157
(redescription).
Mesacanthotelson Nicholls, 1944
Mesacanthotelson
Nicholls,
G.E.
(1944).
The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [61].
Type species: Mesacanthotelson setosus Nicholls, 1944 by
original designation.
Mesacanthotelson decipiens Nicholls, 1944
Mesacanthotelson decipiens Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [77].
Metaphreatoicus N icholls, 1944
Metaphreatoicus
Nicholls,
G.E.
(1944).
The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R.
Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [144].
Type species: Phreatoicus australis Chilton, 1891 by
original designation.
Type data: syntypes TMH G820*.
Type locality: Great Lake, TAS (from stomach of trout).
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater.
Metaphreatoicus a/finis Nicholls, 1944
Mesacanthotelson /allax Nicholls, 1944
G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [82].
Type data: syntypes (probable) TMH G559-61, G625-26,
G752 numerous specimens*'
Type locality: none designated but material labelled by
Nicholls was taken from the stomach of trout from Great
Lake, TAS.
Metaphreatoicus affinis
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater.
Metaphreatoicus australis (Chilton, 1891)
Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [151].
Type data: syntypes (probable) whereabouts unknown*.
Type locality: Wombat Moor in South-Central TAS.
Mesacanthotelson fallax Nicholls,
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lotic freshwater*, spring*.
Phreatoicus australis Chilton, C. (1891). On a new and
peculiar freshwater isopod from Mt. Kosciusko. Rec. Aust.
Mus. 1: 149-171, pls XXII-XXVI [152].
Mesacanthotelson setosus Nicholls, 1944
Mesacanthotelson setosus Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [62].
Type data: syntypes (probable) SAMA C2107 6* (possibly
from upper Piper's Creek), NMV 1212*, AM G5407 5*, AM
P3347 94* (10 specimens sent to L. Glaust, W.A. Museum,
6 sent to S.A. Museum, Feb 1936), AM P7930 117*
(collected by R. Helms).
Type locality: Mt Kosciusko, NSW, Mt Kosciusko, NSW,
upper Piper's Creek, Mt Kosciusko, NSW, upper Piper's
Creek, Mt Kosciusko, NSW [36°25.0'S 148°25.4'E
(estimated)], Thomson's Plain, Mt Kosciusko, Kosciusko
National Park [36°23.4'S 148'27.7'E (estimated)].
Type data: syntypes TMH G628-29, G633-34, G746*'
Type locality: Great Lake, T AS (from stomach of trout and
from shoreline).
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lentic freshwater, lake.
Mesacanthotelson spinosus (Smith, 1909)
Distribution: NSW (SE coastal).
Ecology: lotic freshwater, montane; in spring-fed creeks.
Phreatoicus spinosus Smith, G.W. (1909). The freshwater
Crustacea of Tasmania, with remarks on their geographical
distribution. Trans. Linn. Soc. Lond. (2)11: 61-92 [72].
Type data: syntypes TMH G567*, OUM 5389*.
Type locality: Great Lake, TAS.
Metaphreatoicus lacustris Nicholls, 1944
Metaphreatoicus australis lacustris Nicholls, G.E. (1944).
The Phreatoicoidea. Part n. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R.
Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [149].
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lotic freshwater, lake.
75
PIIREATOIClDAE. MESACAN7HOIELSONINAE
Type data: syntypes (probable) AM G5502 20 15 \l *
(collected by Hedley).
Type locality: Blue Lake, Kosciusko National Park, NSW.
Distribution: T AS.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater.
Paraphreatoicus Nicholls, 1944
Distribution: NSW (SE coastal),
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater, rock bottom.
Paraphreatoicus Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidca.
Part 11. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasl11. 1943:
1-157 [104].
Type species: Paraphreatoicus reliclus Nicholls, 1944 by
original designation.
Metaphreatoicus magistri Nicholls, 1944
Metaphreatoicus magistri Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part I L The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [149].
Type data: type status and whereabouts unknown*'
Type locality: Adventure Bay, Bruni HセbイオョケI@
Island, TAS.
Paraphreatoicus relictus Nicholls, 1944
Paraphreatoiclls relictus Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part Il. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: \-157 [105].
Type data: syntypes TMH G593, G747*
Type locality: Stringybark Creek at Woodbury and adjacent
creeks from St Peters Pass to Anthill Ponds, T AS.
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lotic freshwater.
Onchotelson Nicholls, 1944
Onchotelson Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea. Part
IL The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1943: 1-157
[86].
Type species: Phreatoicus brevicaudatus Smith, 1909 by
original designation.
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: benthic, lotic freshwater; under stones and
amongst roots of water plants.
Uramphisopus Nicholls, 1943
Onchotelson brevicaudatus (Smith, 1909)
Uramphisopus Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm. 1942: 1145 [123].
Type species: Uramphisopus pearsoni Nicholls, 1943 by
original designation.
Phreatoicus brevicaudatus Smith, G.W. (1909). The
freshwater Crustacea of Tasmania, with remarks on their
geographical distribution. Trans. Linn. Soc. Land. (2) 11:
61-92[73].
Type data: syntypcs (probable) OUM 5390*, TMH G622*.
Type locality: Great Lake, TAS.
Uramphisopus pearsoni Nicholls, 1943
Uramphisopus pearsoni Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The
Phreatoicoidea. Part 1. Thc Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145 [\24].
Type data: holotype (probable) TMH specimen apparently
lost* (G.C.B. Poore, in litt. 1987), paratypes (probable) TMH
G598 1 specimen (broken)*, TMH G599 2 specimens*,
TMH G609 1 fragment (uropod only)*,
TMH G610
1 specimen *, TMH G725 35 specimens + 3 specimens in
separate tube*.
Type locality: Great Lake, TAS (from stomach of trout).
Distribution: TAS.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part H. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1943: 1-157 (redescription).
Onchotelson spatulatus Nicho\1s, 1944
Onchotelson spatulatus Nicholls, G.E. (1944). The
Phreatoieoidea. Part 11. The Phreatoicidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1943: 1-157 [96].
Type data: type status and whereabouts unknown*'
Type locality: Great Lake, T AS.
Distribution: T AS.
Ecology: lake, lentic freshwater; clay bottom.
76
PHREATOICOPSIDAE Nicholls, 1943
Phreatoicopsis sp.
[from Wilson & Keable 2001]
INTRODUCTION
The Phreatoicopsidae are semi-terrestrial burrowers found in the western ranges of Victoria
(Otways and Grampians). Of the five genera included in Nicholls' (1943) Phreatoicopsinae,
only one (Phreatoicopsis) is treated here, rendering the family monotypic (Wilson & Keable
2001). Protamphisopus Nicholls contains only a fossil Australian species, which is almost
surely not a member of this specialised family; Eophreatoicus Nicholls is removed to
Mesamphisopodidae; Uramphisopus Nicholls is removed to Phreatoicidae; and
Synamphisopus Nicholls is removed to Amphisopodidae.
Diagnosis
Head length shorter than width in dorsal view; without cervical groove, with mandibular
(genal) indentation, mandibular notch absent, with small ridge at posteroventral corner. Eyes
tiny and round. Pereopod 1 propodus with 1 median spine. Pereopod 5-7 coxae fused to
body. Both mandibles with lacinia mobilis. Pereopod I dactylus with spine-like projection
midlength. Pereopods without articular plate on propodus. Pleopodal rami lanceolate,
subequal; protopods without coupling hooks; pleopods 3-5 with epipods. Appendix
masculina length sub equal to endopod, distally rounded, slightly curved. Gut with coiled
typhlosole, hind gut caecae absent.
References
Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea. Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145
Wilson, G.D.F & Keable, S.J. (2001). Systematics of the Phreatoicidea. pp. 175-194 in
Brusca, R.e. & Kensley, B. Isopod Systematics and Evolution. Crust. Issues 13: 175-194
77
PllREAT01COPS1DAt'
Phreatoicopsis Spencer & Hall, 1897
(Nieholls (1943) reported examining specimens from
"Museums of Melbourne and Adelaide" but these are no
longer in the collections).
Type locality: Banks of Upper Gellibrand River, vie.
Phreatoicopsis Spencer, B, & Hall, TS, (1897), Description
of a new genus of terrestrial Isopoda allied to the genus
Phreatoieus. Proc. R. Soc. Viel. 9: 12-21 [12].
Type species: Phreaticopsis terrico/a Spencer & Hall, 1897
by monotypy.
Distribution: VIe (SE coastal); Upper Gcllibrand River
& Otway Range.
Ecology: closed forest, detritivore, fossorial, soil
dweller, temperate, terrestrial, freshwater.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1942: 1-145 (redescription, distribution).
Phreatoicopsis terricoia Spencer & Hall, 1897
Phreatoicopsis terricola Spencer, B. & Hall, T.S. (1897).
Description of a new gcnns ofterrestriallsopoda allied to the
genus Phreatoicus. Proc. R. Soc. Vie!. 9: 12·21 [13].
Type data: syntypcs (probable) N MV specimens lost*
78
MESAMPHISOPODIDAE Nicholls, 1943
INTRODUCTION
This family is distributed in surface freshwaters in South Africa and the Northern Territory,
Australia. Of the two genera included by Nicholls in his Mesamphisopodinae,
Mesamphisopus is South African and Hyperoedesipus is herein removed to
Hypsimetopodidae. Eophreatoicus is now the only Australian genus provisionally included
here, although Nicholls (1943) placed it in Phreatoicopsinae. Eophreatoicus, which has many
undescribed species around the Arnhem Plateau, Northern Territory, and two new genera
from Western Australia may be members of a basal clade near, but not including
Mesamphisopus (see cladogram in Wilson & Keable 2001), suggesting that the composition
of this family will need further consideration.
Diagnosis
Body robust, sub-cylindrical. Head short; with well-marked cervical groove; antennal, genal
and clypeal notches present. Eyes prominent. Pereonite 1 overlaps head. Coxae fused to
tergites. Gut without typhlosole and hind gut caecae. Pleonal epimera well developed.
Pleotelson posterior margin reflexed, with distinct lateral plates; dorsal uropodal ridge present
but lacking setae. Both mandibles with lacinia mobilis. Pereopods with articular plate on
propodus. Pleopods with setae only on margins of endites. Appendix masculina stout, longer
than endopod, curved apically. Uropodal protopod dorsomedial margin with distinct plate.
References
Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea. Part 1. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc.
Tasm. 1942: 1-145
Wilson, G.D.F & Keable, S.J. (2001). Systematics of the Phreatoicidea. pp. 175-194 in
Brusca, R.C. & Kensley, B. Isopod Systematics and Evolution. Crust. Issues 13: 175-194
Eophreatoicus Nicholls, 1926
Type data: syntypes WAM 223-74, 224-74, 225-74, 245-74
severallots*, TMH G855*, NMV J13923*.
Type locality: Small pool on Sandstone Bluff above King
River, NT [12'OO'S 133'30'E (estimated)].
Eophreatoicus Nicholls, G.E. (1926). A description of two
new genera and species ofPhreatoicidae, with a discussion of
the affinities of the members of this family. J. R. Soc. West.
Aust. 12: 179-210 [190].
Type species: Eophreatoicus kershawi Nicholls, 1926 by
monotypy.
Distribution: NT (N coastal).
Ecology: freshwater, spring, temporary pool.
Reference: Nicholls, G.E. (1943). The Phreatoicoidea.
Part I. The Amphisopidae. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasm.
1942: 1-145 (redescription).
Eophreatoicus kershawi Nicholls, 1926
Eophreatoicus kershawi Nicholls, G,E. (1926), A
description of two new genera and species of Phreatoicidae,
with a discussion of the affinities of the members of this
family. J. R. Soc. West. Aust, 12: 179-210 [191].
79
Unplaced
Crenisopus Wilson & Keable, 1999
Crenisopus acinifer Wilson & Keable, 1999
intact), paratypes WAM C23230 3* (dissected, on 4 slides),
WAM C2323 I 3* (dissected, 4 slides), WAM C23232 'i'*
(dissected, I slide, 1 vial), WAM C23233 'i' * (intact), WAM
C23234 'i' * (intact), W AM C23235 juv. * (intact), WAM
C23236 juv. * (intact), W AM C23237 juv. * (intact); W AM
field lot number BES 3122, water temperature 35"C.
Collected from net placed over spring outlet, 100 cubic
meters of water strained.
Type locality: Zebedee Springs, El Questro Station, North
Kimberley, WA [J6°00'S 128°01 'E].
Crenisopus acinifer Wilson, G.D.F. & Keable, S.J. (1999).
A new genus of phreatoicidean isopod (Crustacea) from the
North Kimberley Region, Western Australia. Zool. J. Linn.
Soc. 126: 51-79 [59].
Type data: holotype WAM C23229 3 * (length 4.4 mm,
Distribution: W A (N coastal); Zebedee Springs,
El Questro Stn.
Ecology: spring.
Crenisopus Wilson, G.D.F. & Keable, SJ. (1999). A new
genus of phreatoicidean isopod (Crustacea) from the North
Kimberley Region, Western Australia. Zool. J. Linn. Soc.
126: 51-79 [58].
Type species: Crenisopus acinifer Wilson & Keable, 1999 by
original designation.
80