Lynceus

O. F. Müller, 1776

clam shrimp

Species Guides

Lynceus brachyurus(holarctic clam shrimp)

Lynceus is a of clam shrimp in the Lynceidae, comprising approximately 13 described . These small branchiopod crustaceans inhabit temporary aquatic , including desert rockholes, gnammas, and dolines. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, particularly in Australia where six species are now recognized. Species identification relies on morphological characters including male first thoracopod structure, and rostrum form, 2 spinal patterns, shape, and the female lamina abdominalis.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lynceus: //ˈlɪn.si.əs//

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Identification

-level identification requires examination of male first thoracopods, and rostrum , 2 spinal patterns, shape, and the female lamina abdominalis. These characters show discontinuous variation and are used in provided identification keys for Australian species. Clasper morphology and lamina abdominalis form distinguish the New Caledonian L. insularis from Australian .

Habitat

Temporary aquatic including desert rockholes, deep gnammas (rockholes), coastal rockholes, and sinkholes (dolines). Australian occupy specific microhabitats: L. baylyi in desert rockholes of Western Australia; L. magdaleanae mainly in deep gnammas of the WA Wheatbelt and Goldfields; L. susanneae in rockholes on the Nullarbor Plain; and L. argillaphilus in the coastal Pilbara. The New Caledonian species L. insularis inhabits dolines in the southern part of the island.

Distribution

Australia (Western Australia, with L. magdaleanae extending to Northern Territory, Queensland, and South Australia); New Caledonia (southern dolines); India (Kerala, southern India); and East Asia including Korea. Distributions are severely restricted by destruction of temporary aquatic in both urban and rural areas.

Human Relevance

may be threatened by hydrological changes, reduction of water supply, acidification of fresh water, , and mining activities. Destruction of temporary aquatic habitats has severely restricted distributions of Australian .