Systematics and phylogeny of the Tasmanian freshwater crayfish genus Parastacoides (Decapoda: Parastacidae)

TL;DRAbstract

The endemic Tasmanian freshwater crayfish genus Parastacoides is confined to the western parts of the State. The most recent review of the genus recognised only one species, consisting of three sub-species. Since that review, extensive collection in remote areas of Tasmania had been undertaken and the diversity revealed by these collections suggested the need for a review. This thesis presents a complete review of the systematics of the genus, investigating morphological, molecular and biogeographical aspects of the taxon. Two genera consisting of fourteen species are now recognised; suggested nomenclature, full descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps and keys are provided. Three species comprise the new genus Spinastacoides and 11 species comprise the new genus Ombrastacoides. The main diagnostic feature separating the two genera is the presence/absence of a terminal mesial spine on the uropod exopod. All species were found to be highly conservative morphologically, with few us

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