The morphological variations of Niphargus hosseiniei populations

With over 300 described species and subspecies, the genus Niphargus Schiödte 1847 (Amphipoda, Niphargidae) is the largest genus of freshwater amphipods. Most of the species inhabit in European subterranean waters. So far, about only 30 species recognized from the Middle East. The range of variability identified in one species may differ from the variability range of a second one. 17 species were described from the north and west of Iran. N. hosseiniei species was first introduced from Sarab-e-Nojivaran in 36 Km east north of Kermanshah city. The diagnostic characters for N. hosseiniei include the presence of two groups of A-setae in the third article of mandibular palp, the propodus with a triangular shape in gnathopod II and the presence of two supporting robust setae in the palmar corner of gnathopod II. The result of morphological and molecular analyses supported the presence of three new localities for this species in Iran (Brolan spring in West Azerbaijan Province, Ghori-Ghaleh Cave, Sarab-e-Nojivaran and Pich-e-Farhadtarash Spring in Kermanshah Province). The aim of this research is the survey of morphological variations in N. hosseiniei populations. Individuals from Brolan Spring bear two lateral robust setae on each telson lobe (females and males) and have a longer palpus on maxilla I, compared to material from the type locality in which robust setae-free lateral margins of telson and short maxillar palpus is observed. The population from Ghori-Ghale Cave differs from the other two populations in the shape of propodi of gnathopods II;the shape, albeit still triangular, has a shorter palm. No gender-related differences were noticed.

کلیدواژه ها:

Morphological variations ، N. hosseiniei populations ، Subterranean environment ، Iran