First record of Branchinectella media (Schmankewitsch, 1873) (Branchiopoda, Anostraca) in Romania

Abstract

Romania is one of the most diverse countries for Anostraca in Europe. The Romanian Plain and the Black Sea coast are recognized as the most species-rich areas and harbour a high concentration of saline lakes and ponds. A short survey of ponds and small lakes was carried out in these areas of Romania during March 2019, with the aim of improving the knowledge of Anostraca diversity and distribution. Two species of Anostraca were found: Chirocephalus diaphanus romanicus Stoicescu, 1992, in Argeş County, and Branchinectella media (Schmankewitsch, 1873), in Constanţa County. The record of B. media is the first for Romania, increasing the known diversity of Anostraca to 17 species. This discovery highlights the high diversity of large Branchiopoda in the country.