On the endemic subterranean amphipod Niphargus versluysi S. Karaman, 1950 (Fam. Niphargidae) in Greece (Contribution to the Knowledge of the Amphipoda 297)

Abstract

The partially known taxon Niphargus longicaudatus versluysi S. Karaman, 1950 (Amphipoda, Gammaridea, fam. Niphargidae) was described from the subterranean waters of Scophos spring on Zakynthos Island (= Zante), Ionian Sea, Greece, and later cited (S. Karaman, 1960) from central Greece (Delphi-Gravia). During our studies of Greek Amphipoda fauna, we established this species for the springs along the road Arilas-Perdika, Epirus, and springs near Zakynthos town (Zakynthos Island). As this taxon was only partially known and described, we redescribed and figured this taxon in detail (males and females). Based on relevant taxonomical characters, it is elevated to the rank of a distinct species, Niphargus versluysi S. Karaman, 1950 and its taxonomical characters and relation to other Niphargus-taxa from Greece and adjacent regions are discussed.