Gurayacypris danielopoli, 2024

Comparisons between G. danielopoli, new species and

G. kangraensis

Gurayacypris danielopoli , new species, differs from G. kangraensis in many aspects of its valves and soft parts. In the male G. danielopoli , new species, the Cp in dorsal view is tumid and the greatest width is post mid-length whereas in G. kangraensis , it is elliptical and the greatest width is at mid-length. The posterior extremity of the new species possesses a tiny pointed tip, but in G. kangraensis , this part is rounded. The female Cp shape in lateral view also demonstrates the difference between these two species. Gurayacypris danielopoli , new species, has a subglobular shape with a strongly arched dorsal margin while in G. kangraensis , the shape is subquadrate with a slightly arched dorsal margin. Although both species have a flange (spur) on the female postero-ventral part, the aspect of this structure is different. It is subtriangular with a pointed tip in the Thai species, but it is tiny and subquadrate, with a blunt tip in the Indian species. The Cp size of G. danielopoli , new species, (806–832 μm in male, 794–800 μm in female) is also larger than G. kangraensis (760 μm in male, 700 μm in female) (see Battish, 1987).

In addition, the differences can be seen in the morphology of the soft parts, especially the female and male T1 palp, the male T2, and the Hp. The female T1 palp of both species is large, but it is smaller in G. danielopoli , new species. The tip of this palp bears two small and unequal bristles in G. kangraensis while G. danielopoli has a broad, dome-shaped seta with pointed apical tip. The T1 left palp of male of G. kangraensis possesses a pointed projection on the distal margin of the basal segment, whereas there is no projection on this part in G. danielopoli , new species. The h3 seta on the male T2 is long in G. kangraensis , but it is shorter in the new species. In G. danielopoli , new species, the Hp is subovate and the ms is short (not protruding beyond edge of ls), with a gently curved dorsal margin, while in G. kangraensis the ms extends over the margin of the ls and has a strongly curved dorsal margin. Additionally, the ls of the new species is subtriangular with a pointed tip directed outward but, in G. kangraensis , this part bears two circular lobes; one is small and appearing on the inner side, another one is large and located on the outer side. The number of bristles on the masticatory processes of the female T1 is seven in G. kangraensis whereas it is 14 in G. danielopoli , new species. Nevertheless, this character should be used with caution as these bristles are small and densely arranged which could affect the observation of the actual number.