Two new sympatric cave species of Castellanethes (Isopoda, Oniscidea, Olibrinidae) from Western High Atlas of Morocco

By

Moutaouakil, Soumia
Boulanouar, Mohamed
Ghamizi, Mohamed
Lips, Josiane
Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

45

Pages

17--37

Subjects

Castellanethes ighousi , Castellanethes ougougensis , cave , cave-dwelling , Morocco

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.45.95845

 

Abstract

Two new sympatric isopod species of the genusCastellanethes(Olibrinidae) are described from caves located in the Western High Atlas of Morocco. Both species present troglomorphic traits, such as the absence of body pigmentation and eyes and are, therefore, considered cave-dwelling species (troglobitic).Castellenethes ougougensissp. nov.was found in five caves, whileC. ighousisp. nov.is an amphibious species found in only two caves, which also harbour populations ofC. ougougensissp. nov.Additionally, notes on their habitats are provided, as well as a discussion on their conservation status.