Annotated list of the aquatic epicontinental isopods of Mexico (Crustacea: Isopoda)

Abstract

The present contribution integrates a species list of the aquatic isopods found in continental waters of Mexico with original taxonomic references, synonymies, type locality, and distributional data. The list comprises six families and 49 species, ten of which are epigean while the remaining 39 are hypogean, recorded from thermal springs and caves in the central and eastern portions of the country, and from cenotes in the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo. The cirolanids and asellids are the most diversified groups in Mexico, in both surface and subterranean waters. While the most species rich area is the northeast, from Chihuahua to Tamaulipas, the entire Pacific slope along with some central and southern states lack records of aquatic isopods. Based on the existing records, the distribution pattern is discussed and the existence of four main areas of distribution is proposed. The conservation status of the aquatic isopods in Mexican continental waters is examined. A notable asymmetry is present between the rarity and vulnerability of most species and the level of protection was assigned for them by the Mexican government conservation agencies.