Dendrocephalus proeliator
Rogers, Dunn & Price, 2019
Dendrocephalus proeliator is a of fairy shrimp described from Florida in 2019. It belongs to the subgenus Dendrocephalus (Dendrocephalinus) and is distinguished from by the form of the male frontal appendage. The species appears morphologically intermediate between D. alachua and D. lithaca. Its specific epithet 'proeliator' (Latin for 'fighter') references the aggressive male-male competition first documented in this species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dendrocephalus proeliator: //ˌdɛn.droʊˈsɛ.fə.ləs proʊˌi.liˈeɪ.tɔr//
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Identification
Distinguished from all other in the subgenus by the form of the male frontal appendage. Appears morphologically intermediate between Dendrocephalus alachua and D. lithaca. Specific diagnostic characters of the frontal appendage structure separate it from these and other .
Distribution
Florida, USA
Behavior
Males exhibit direct agonistic and compete for access to areas frequented by receptive females. This represents the first documented case of male-male aggressive competition in Anostraca. The name reflects this combative behavior.
Similar Taxa
- Dendrocephalus alachuaD. proeliator appears morphologically intermediate between D. alachua and D. lithaca; distinguished by male frontal appendage form
- Dendrocephalus lithacaD. proeliator appears morphologically intermediate between D. alachua and D. lithaca; distinguished by male frontal appendage form
More Details
Conservation status
Conservation assessment provided according to IUCN Red List standards in the original description, though specific category not stated in available source material
Etymology
name 'proeliator' is Latin for 'fighter', referencing the aggressive male-male competition documented in this species