Aspidiophorus polystictos, a new marine species (Gastrotricha, Chaetonotida) and its life cycle

Aspidiophorus polistictos, a new marine species of Gastrotricha Chaetonotida is described and compared with the species of the group A. marinus - A. mediterraneas. This species is characterized by the subrectangular shape of the scales. The life cycle of individuals reared under laboratory conditions is described for the first time in marine Chaetonotida. A parthenogenetic phase precedes a hermaphroditic phase as in several freshwater Chaetonotidae.