Integrative description of Pseudechiniscus (Meridioniscus) goldsteini sp. nov. from Madeira (Portugal)

Using integrative taxonomy, we describe a new species from Ribeira Brava, Madeira (Portugal), belonging to the genus Pseudechiniscus and subgenus Meridioniscus. The new species, Pseudechiniscus (Meridioniscus) goldsteini sp. nov. is described based on morphological and morphometric data obtained through both Phase Contrast Light Microscopy (PCM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In addition, genetic distinctiveness was assessed by calculating p-distances between Pse. (Mer.) goldsteini sp. nov. and other species within the genus Pseudechiniscus using two DNA markers: one nuclear marker (28S rRNA) and one mitochondrial marker (COI). Morphologically, the new species most closely resembles Pse. (Mer.) angelusalas, Pse. (Mer.) dastychi, Pse. (Mer.) dreyeri, Pse. (Mer.) indistinctus, Pse. (Mer.) mascarenensis, and Pse. (Mer.) wallacei. However, it can be distinguished from these species primarily by differences in the details of its ventral sculpture, configuration of granulation patches and the length of head appendages.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E7FB8100C210-4850-89CA-AB8561A8FE1B