Diversity of genus Phromachocrinus Carpenter, 1879 of the National Invertebrates collection, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”

Professor Irene Bernasconi was a pioneer in Antarctic crinoid research in Argentina, with her work on Promachocrinus kerguelensis published in 1932. This study review Promachocrinus material housed in the collection of the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (MACN-In), including specimens collected by Carcelles in 1929. Through an analysis of new samples from Antarctic expeditions and a review of historical material, three species within the genus were identified: P. kerguelensis, P. fragarius, and P. joubini. These studies update the understanding of genus diversity, previously considered a single circum-Antarctic species, and underscore the importance of integrating molecular and morphological methods for identifying cryptic species. This advancement emphasizes the need to reassess historical biodiversity records and highlights the significance of pioneering researchers such as Bernasconi.