A new thermosbaenacean of the genus Tethysbaena (Peracarida, Thermosbaenacea, Monodellidae) from Socotra Island, Yemen

Scientists have identified a new species of thermosbaenacean, Tethysbaena dioscorida, from Socotra Island, marking the first discovery of its kind in the Socotra Archipelago and the Indian Ocean. This crustacean belongs to the 'Tethysbaena relicta' species-group, with close morphological ties to a species found in Oman. The research suggests that speciation within this group stems from geological events, such as the regression of the Tethys Sea, which created isolated populations during the Oligocene-Miocene transition. Additionally, the study highlights potential threats to Socotra's subterranean fauna due to recent developmental activities, particularly in coastal areas. The findings are based on morphological analysis of females collected from a freshwater cave lake and a brackish coastal well.

Wagner, H. P., & Van Damme, K. (2021). A new thermosbaenacean of the genus Tethysbaena (Peracarida, Thermosbaenacea, Monodellidae) from Socotra Island, Yemen. Crustaceana, 94(4), 487–506. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685403-bja10115