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Antarctic Invertebrates

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Classification


Pycnogonum eltanini Fry & Hedgpeth  Species

Synonymy

Original Description
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Original Description
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“Pycnogonum eltanin n. sp. (Figs. 85, 90, 91)

MATERIAL EXAMINED

Eltanin Sta. 993, 1 female, Holotype, U.S.N.M. Holotype No. 113005.

This large specimen differs from all the other Antarctic representatives of the genus in having a strongly down curved, evenly tapered, styliform proboscis which lacks tubercles or processes except for two ventral basal swellings. The trunk is also very stout and thick-set, with contibuous lateral processes. There are prominent dorsal and lateral tubercles on the trunk, and a small one at the dorsal tip of the abdomen; accordingly the anus appears slightly ventral in orientation. The spines on the propodus are very small, restricted to the proximal third of the segment and to a small region distally. There is no conspicuous patch of spines on the tarsus, and no gland field on the 3rd coxa.

The proboscis is distinctly different from that of Pycnogonum gaini, and the legs much shorter in proportion to the trunk segments than in P. gaini.

MEASUREMENTS OF HOLOTYPE FEMALE

Proboscis: L. basal chord

6.5 mm

L. cephalic somite

3.0

Width, 2nd lat. Proc.

8.0

L. trunk

11.0

L. abdomen

3.0.

L. 2nd right leg

22.0

Coxae

5.0

Femur

5.0

Tibia 1

4.5

Tibia 2

3.5

Tarsus and propodus

3.0

Claw

1.0

RECOREDED DISTRIBUTION: -- The holotype was taken at approximately 61°25’S, 56°31’W, NNW of Gibbs Island, at a depth of 300m.” (Fry & Hedgpeth 1969, p. 61-62)

Geographic Distribution

The holotype was taken at approximately 61°25’S, 56°31’W, NNW of Gibbs Island, at a depth of 300m.

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