Phylogenetic relationships within the harpacticoid copepod family Peltidiidae Sars, including the description of a new genus

With the discovery of Alteuthoides kootare gen. et sp. no v., found living inside an hexactinellid sponge from offshore waters of New Zealand, and the synonymization herein of Paralteutha T. Scott with Eupelte Claus, the number of genera in the harpacticoid copepod family Peltidiidae Sars now stands at eight. In the morphology of the maxillipeds and the armature of the first leg exopods, Alteuthoides is most similar to Alteuthella (A. Scott) and Alteuthellopsis Lang. These shared apomorphies are regarded as convergent ecological specializations to a lifestyle as close associates of other marine invertebrates. Results of a cladistic analysis further assist in the interpretation of relationships within the family. Lang's speculation that Peltidium and Parapeltidium form an independent lineage from the ancestral peltidiid gains further support. Alteutha remains as the basal group to the second lineage in comparison with which all remaining genera are derived in some respect. Alteuthellopsis would appear to be the most advanced genus in the family. Because of recent additions to Neopeltopsis Hicks and Alteuthellopsis, revised diagnoses, together with a revised key to genera, are also presented.