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Two new species of Pupulina van Beneden, 1892 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Caligidae) from mobulid rays off South Africa

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Abstract

The caligid genus Pupulina van Beneden, 1892 currently has three accepted species. Two new species, Pupulina cliffi n. sp. and P. merira n. sp., are described from Mobula kuhlii (Müller & Henle) and M. eregoodootenkee (Bleeker) (Mobulidae) caught along the east coast of South Africa. Pupulina cliffi can be distinguished from all the other species by the absence of posterolateral processes on the genital complex, whereas P. merira has very short, rounded posterolateral processes on the genital complex compared to the three previously known species. Additionally, P. merira is the only species with the abdomen only about two-thirds the length of the genital complex and the caudal rami about the same length as the abdomen. A dichotomous key to distinguish the five species of Pupulina is provided.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board and the Department of Biodiversity (University of Limpopo (UL)) for field and laboratory support, the Department of Research Development and Administration (UL) for financial support and Dr C. Baker (UL EM Unit) for assistance with SEM work. Furthermore, we also want to express our appreciation to Ms B.P. Jordaan, for assistance during field trips and the collection of material, and Mr P. Carnelley, who assisted with the species name “merira”.

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  1. Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa

    Susan M. Dippenaar & Modjadji C. Lebepe

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  1. Susan M. Dippenaar
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  2. Modjadji C. Lebepe
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Correspondence to Susan M. Dippenaar.

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Dippenaar, S.M., Lebepe, M.C. Two new species of Pupulina van Beneden, 1892 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Caligidae) from mobulid rays off South Africa. Syst Parasitol 85, 27–35 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11230-013-9406-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11230-013-9406-y

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