Systematics and ecology of Linderiella baetica n. sp. (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Anostraca, Chirocephalidae), a new species from southern Spain

Linderiella baetica n. sp. (Anostraca, Chirocephalidae), is described from a temperate Mediterranean climate, episodic temporary fresh water body in Puerto Real (Cádiz, South Spain). Linderiella baetica n. sp. is characterized by the display of the shape of the basomedial outgrowth on the male second antenna, margin structure of praepipods, structure of medial margin of endopod, penis basal projections, horn-like process on the inner side of the female antenna, female genital somites and of a combination of morphological features involving egg morphology. The study includes a morphological analysis using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Based on the differential diagnosis, a dichotomous key for males, females and resting eggs to Linderiella species is proposed. The diagnosis is complemented with phenology of the species and accompanying fauna and aquatic vegetation, and physico-chemical evolution of water along monitoring.