Unravelling the biodiversity of Australian salt lakes—molecular phylogeny of Mytilocypridinae giant ostracods (Cyprididae)

Australian salt lakes contain a high proportion of endemic taxa. This includes giant ostracods in the subfamily Mytilocypridinae (Cyprididae), which appears to have undergone radiation in these environments. Although the morphological taxonomy of this subfamily is relatively advanced, it has not been verified with molecular data. We, therefore, used molecular (mitochondrial COI and 16S and nuclear 28S markers) as well morphological evidence to evaluate the current taxonomy of Mytilocypridinae. Our study included 18 of 21 described species and seven of eight undescribed species. The results confirm the monophyly of the Mytilocypridinae. Five major clades (putative genera) were apparent within this subfamily, two of which corresponded to currently recognized genera but the remaining three contained admixtures of species from more than one current genus, i.e. the current genera do not represent monophyletic species groups. Molecular and morphological data supported most species’ designations; however, two putative new species, one synonymy, and one complex of cryptic species were identified. By enhancing our understanding of the taxonomy and systematics of Mytilocypridinae, the results of this study will support future research on this taxon and on the evolution of salt-lake invertebrates.