2026 Confusing Crustaceans V: Cryptic Peracarida

Description

Recent molecular evidence (Vieira et al. 2022) has revealed high endemicity for shallow-water peracarid fauna of the Macaronesian archipelagos (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, Cape Verde). During this workshop, Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, will be more thoroughly explored for peracarid diversity. Previous specimens, mainly amphipods and isopods, were collected mostly at the eastern to south-eastern coasts of the island, which face Gran Canaria and the African continent. This small expedition will add sampling locations at the south-western coasts, facing La Gomera, and at the north-western coasts, which are directly exposed to North Atlantic currents. More peracarid orders will be targeted as well, to expand the taxonomic range. 

The question is whether these additional sampling points and peracarid taxa will uncover further endemisms, add unique morphotypes, or reveal biogeographic patterns that can contribute to the resolution of cryptic species complexes. 

Additionally, the hunt will continue for those evasive peracarid families in our most-wanted list.  

Stay tuned!

Participants