Canadian records of Branchinecta serrata Rogers, 2006 and its confusion with B. paludosa (Müller, 1788) (Branchiopoda: Anostraca: Branchinectidae), with a key to the B. paludosa species group

Abstract

Branchinecta serrata Rogers, 2006 was originally thought to be limited to four localities in the central USA. We present new records of this species in prairie pools in central Canada, greatly extending its known distribution. Previous records from Canada were misidentified as the common and widespread B. paludosa (Müller, 1788). We present images emphasizing the differences between the two species, updated geochemical tolerance data, and revise the conservation status of B. serrata. Finally, we present an identification key to the Branchinecta paludosa species group.