sp. nov., a new monogonont rotifer with a large epipharynx from Korea (Rotifera, Proalidae).

BACKGROUND

The family Proalidae Harring & Myers, 1924, includes four genera and 53 species, distributed across all eight biogeographic realms and inhabiting various environments, including freshwater, saltwater and terrestrial environments. The genus , the largest within Proalidae, encompasses 41 species characterised by diverse morphological traits. In Korea, the presence of Proalidae has been documented with five known species: Wilts, Martínez Arbizu & Ahlrichs, 2010, (Milne, 1886), (Bryce, 1897), Wulfert, 1937 and (Collins, 1872).

NEW INFORMATION

A new species, sp. nov., is the 42 species within the genus . This species exhibits unique morphological characteristics in the trophi, particularly in the epipharynx, which are distinctive enough to prevent misidentification with other species. The habitus of the new species bears some resemblance to Myers, 1933, sharing features, such as an elongated and fusiform body, two eyespots, a single foot pseudosegment, two short toes and the absence of a dorsal papilla between the toes. However, the epipharynx of the two species is markedly different. The unique epipharynx characteristic of this new species is unparalleled within the genus .