On the Systematics of Ancinus (Isopoda, Sphaeromatidae), with the Description of a New Species from the Tropical Eastern Pacific

Abstract

Recent quantitative sampling of sandy beaches in Central America revealed that species in the sphaeromatid genus Ancinus are abundant and widespread at low latitudes. Ancinus panamensis n. sp. is described from the Pacific coasts of Panama and Colombia and compared with A. brasiliensis Lemos de Castro from the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Costa Rica. The morphology and color polymorphism of the Panamanian species are illustrated in detail. Study of all known species in the genus indicated the existence of at least four and probably five distinct species in the New World. A key to these species is presented.