First record of groundwater amphipods (Crustacea) from Benin; range extension of the genus Pseudoniphargus to South of the Sahara, in western Africa

Abstract

The groundwater genus Pseudoniphargus (Crustacea Amphipoda) which is diversified in northwestern Africa is reported for the first time from South of the Sahara, in western Africa. It is new to Benin and it is the first representative of groundwater amphipods in this country. The occurrence of the genus in Benin significantly extends its distribution range farther South. Pseudoniphargus beninensis n. sp. is described. It is characterized by the combination of the following characters: antennular accessory flagellum slightly overreaching the first flagellum article, epimeral plates provided with numerous spines, robust first uropod peduncle, third uropod peduncle not elongate and distal spines of exopod short, telson notch V-shaped. Pseudoniphargus is a marine relict. The regression of the Trans-Saharan seaway of the Palaeocene might have played a major role in the origin of the genus in Benin.