Caecidotea xochimilca (Isopoda, Asellidae), a new species from Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, with a key to Mexican species of the genus Caecidotea

Scientists have identified and described Caecidotea xochimilca, a new species of freshwater isopod (Isopoda, Asellidae) from Lake Xochimilco, Mexico City. This discovery expands the known biodiversity of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco, a site renowned for its unique aquatic ecosystems. The research distinguishes C. xochimilca from two other Mexican species—C. williamsi and C. puebla—through key morphological traits, including differences in male pereopod structures, antennal aesthetasc patterns, body proportions, and pleopodal setae counts. A diagnostic key for Mexican Caecidotea species is also provided, aiding future taxonomic studies. The findings contribute to the understanding of aquatic invertebrate diversity in this culturally significant and ecologically rich World Heritage Site.

Rocha-Ramírez, A., & Peñaloza-Daniel, A. (2011). Caecidotea xochimilca (Isopoda, Asellidae), a new species from Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, with a key to Mexican species of the genus Caecidotea. Crustaceana, 84(1), 93–106. https://doi.org/10.1163/001121610x546715