Discoveries of cave Misophrioids (Crustacea : Copepoda) shed new light on the origin of anchialine faunas

Phylogenetic relationships between the known genera of the order Misophrioi da are examined. Two lineages are identified: one consisting of the family Misophriidae which comprises seven genera, and a new, monotypic family, the Palpophriidae fam. nov.; the other consisting of another new family, the S peleophriidae fam. nov., comprising eight genera. Habitat exploitation by t hese families is discussed: members of the Misophriidae are primarily hyper benthic, those of the Palpophriidae and Speleophriidae are primarily cavern icolous in anchialine habitats. The occurrence of misophriids in littoral a nd submarine caves is interpreted as evidence of a relatively recent landwa rd extension of the habitat range in this family, from a shallow-water hype rbenthic ancestor. The zoogeographic distribution of speleophriids in anchi aline caves is interpreted as resulting from a dispersal and colonization e pisode prior to the closure of the Tethys Sea. The analysis also indicates that deep-water forms may represent a secondary colonization rather than an indication of deep-water ancestry for the entire order. The importance of anchialine habitats as refuges for ancient lineages of copepods is stressed and it is recognised that these fragile habitats should be accorded some m easure of protection.