THE CASSIDININAE HANSEN, 1905 (CRUSTACEA, ISOPODA, SPHAEROMATIDAE) OFAUSTRALIA

The Cassidininae of Australia are revised. The status of the subfamily is assessed and it is concluded that, as presently constituted, the C assidininae is an artificial taxon. It is maintained here as a taxon o f convenience (sensu late) until the other sphaeromatid subfamilies ca n be reassessed, but a new diagnosis (sensu stricto) is given. The gen us Cassidina is redescribed. Three new genera are established: Agostod ina gen. nov. (type species: A. munta sp. nov.), Apemosphaera gen. nov . (type species: A. naranagi sp. nov.) and Discidina gen. nov. (type s pecies: D. banawarra sp. nov.). New diagnoses are provided for the gen era Cassidina Milne Edwards, Chitonopsis Whitelegge, Cassidinidea Hans en, Paracassidina Baker, Syncassidina Baker and Platysphaera Holdich a nd Harrison. The genus Dies is placed in synonymy with Cassidinidea an d an annotated list is given of all species of the genus. The followin g new species (excluding the new type species) are described: Chitonop sis booyoolie, Agostodina munta, Paracassidina anasilla, P. bakeri, P. bamarook, P. bilbie, P. cervina, P. dama, P. fuscina, P. incompta, P. kutyo, P. munna, P. petala, P. prolata, P. wurrook and Cassidinidea k elpie. Keys to the Australian genera and species are given.