Description of two new epigean species of the genus Hyalella S.I. Smith, 1874 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyalellidae) from Jalisco, Mexico

Abstract

Two new species of Hyalella S.I. Smith, 1874 are described from state of Jalisco, Mexico. Hyalella marysolae sp. nov. can be identified by the presence of small projections or carinae on pleonites 1−2, with the first antenna being composed of 12 articles and the second antenna being composed of 15 articles. The first maxilla bearing 2−3 distal pappose setae, and the propodus in male first gnathopod is hammer-shaped. Conversely, in H. morronei sp. nov., dorsal projections or carinae are absent on pleonites 1−2, with the first antenna being composed of 10 articles and the second antenna of 14 articles. The first maxilla always bears two distal pappose setae, and the propodus in male first gnathopod is hatchet-shaped. Both species are distinguishable from other Hyalella species found in Mexico by the second antenna. In these two species, the second antenna is approximately half as long as the total body length, and the peduncle comprises 14 −15 articles; whereas, in other Mexican species, it is shorter and composed of maximum 12 articles. Here, we add two species to the four previously described in Mexico as it is necessary to increase the knowledge of the alpha taxonomy of this group of crustaceans and compensate for the biodiversity of the genus being underestimated.