New record of Melita alluaudi Ledoyer, 1982 (Amphipoda, Melitidae) from Yonaguni Island, Japan

Key Points

• The report confirms the first occurrence of melita alluaudi from Japan and the Philippine Sea, marking a significant addition to known biodiversity.
• Detailed descriptions and COI sequences were provided for the specimens collected in Yonaguni Island, facilitating future research on this species.
• The study includes a key for identifying Japanese Melita species, assisting in the cataloging and understanding of related amphipods.
• This finding could indicate a broader distribution of melita alluaudi in marine environments, highlighting the ecological significance of Yonaguni Island.