A new species of the genus Glossobalanus (Hemichordata, Enteropneusta, Ptychoderidae) from China

By

Fu, Xianan
Guo, Weijian
Ding, Zhongwen
Zhou, Wenliang
Wei, Fuwen

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2024

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1202

Pages

343--358

Subjects

Conservation , external morphology , Hainan , molecular analysis , morphometry

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1202.111852

 

Abstract

A morphological and molecular analyses of a newly discovered species, Glossobalanus weiisp. nov., from Danzhou city, Hainan Island, China is presented. Several morphological characters distinguish this new species, while molecular analyses confirm significant genetic divergence from its recognized congeners (p-distance > 0.25 in mitochondrial genomes). Phylogenetic analyses place the new species in a distinct sister clade to G. polybranchioporus, which is afforded first-class state protection in China. An updated retrieval table is provided for the eight species of Hemichordata found in China. Hemichordate diversity remains underestimated and this new species emphasizes the need for their ongoing conservation in southern China.