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We describe some rare epizoic rotifers found on Potamon fluviatile (Herbst, 1785) from Italy. Three species are discussed: Lecane branchicola (Piovanelli, 1903) (Monogononta, Lecanidae; new synonym: L. piovanellii Bartos, 1957), Anomopus telphusae Piovanelli, 1903 and Embata parasitica (Giglioli, 1863) (Bdelloidea: Philodinidae). Lecane branchicola, previously considered a nomen nudum after Bartos (1957), is redescribed, and its identity is stabilized by the designation of a neotype. Both L. branchicola and A. telphusae are particularly rare, and have been found on a few occasions only. Lecane branchicola appears to be restricted to a specific body part of their host, namely the branchial chamber. On the contrary, E. parasitica has been recorded as epizoic from several hosts and regions. SEM photographs of the trophi of the three species are presented.

In order to help elucidate confusion in the nomenclature of Rotifera (= Syndermata), an updated checklist is provided, including corrections and additions of family- and genus-group names presently considered valid in the Phylum. The species diversity of the Rotifera is illustrated by estimates of the number of valid, named species in each genus. The validity of Paranuraeopsis Koste, 1974 is rejected based on a re-evaluation of its diagnostic features. It is synonymized with Anuraeopsis Lauterborn, 1900. The name Beauchampiella Remane, 1929 is recognized as the valid replacement name for Eudactylota Manfredi, 1927 non Walsingham, 1911 (Insecta), with preference over Manfredium Gallagher, 1957. The priority of Lepadellidae Harring, 1913 over Colurellidae Wesenberg-Lund, 1930 is commented upon.

The hitherto unknown male of Lecane bulla (Gosse, 1851) is described and figured. It is generally similar to the few known males of other Lecane species. However, whereas the degree of fusion of the toes accords between male and female in other species, this is not the case here: the male of L. bulla has two separate and movable toes, these are completely fused into a single toe in the female. This observation further questions the validity of the taxonomic separation of Lecane in three taxa of generic rank, based on the degree of fusion of the toes. The behaviour and reproduction of Lecane is commented upon.

Three new species of Lecane (Rotifera, Mongononta, Lecanidae), L. enowi n.sp., L. namatai n.sp. and L. pluto n.sp. are described from ponds in the KORUP national park in Cameroon. The proportion of endemic Lecane spp. in the African fauna now stands at 14·1%, i.e. approaching the endemicity of the Oriental and Neotropical regions, 18·6 and 21·8% respectively. This is in contrast with previous works reporting an impoverished African rotifer fauna. The records also highlight the contribution to regional biodiversity of the fauna of ephemeral habitats in extreme conditions.

Universite Paris 6, Geologie Appliquee, B 123, Paris Cedex 05, FranceOnline Publication Date: 01 March 1997To cite this Article: Segers, H. and Pourriot, R. (1997) 'On a new and puzzlingAmerican rotifer (Rotifera: Monogononta, Lecanidae)', Journal of Natural History,31:3, 383 - 388To link to this article: DOI: 10.1080/00222939700770181URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00222939700770181PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLEFull terms and conditions of use: http://www.informaworld.com/terms-and-conditions-of-access.pdfThis article maybe used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction,re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expresslyforbidden.The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will becomplete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should beindependently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings,demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with orarising out of the use of this material.