Reinstatement of Ehlersileanira simplex (Ehlers, 1887) comb. nov. reinst., distinct from E. incisa (Grube, 1877) (Annelida: Sigalionidae), with a key to all the species of Ehlersileanira.

Sthenelais simplex Ehlers, 1887 was described from the Gulf of Mexico, but it is currently regarded as a junior synonym of Leanira incisa (Grube, 1877) described from the Congo. The latter is now included in Ehlersileanira Pettibone, 1970 as its type species. However, the redescription of L. incisa was based on specimens from several distant localities, including the type material of S. simplex. Through the revision of material from the University of Miami Deep-Sea Expeditions along the tropical Atlantic, including the Gulf of Guinea, specimens corresponding to S. simplex and E. incisa were found and carefully studied. The main results include the restriction of E. incisa and the reinstatement of S. simplex as a different species under the name E. simplex (Ehlers, 1887) comb. nov., reinst. Ehlersileanira simplex differs from E. incisa by having large auricles, as long as the median antennal ceratophore; median antenna with ceratophore and style of similar length; rectangular elytra in segment 4; branchiae beginning at segment 16; ctenidial pads beginning at segment 9; and tubular segmental papillae beginning at about segment 20. A key to all the species of Ehlersileanira is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]