NEW TERRESTRIAL AMPHIPOD FROM TERTIARY AMBER DEPOSITS OF THE DOMINICAN-REPUBLIC

Tethorchestia palaeorchestes, new species, is described from Oligocene amber deposits of the Dominican Republic, Island of Hispaniola. This new taxon is represented by 2 subadult specimens, and is the second kn own fossil member of the gammaridean amphipod family Talitridae and su perfamily Talitroidea. The species is a member of the cuspidactylate g roup of landhoppers, but is little modified over the presumed ancestra l supralittoral members of the genus that are widespread and diverse t oday throughout seashore marine habitats of the Caribbean region.