Abstract

Based on molecular, karyological, morphological analyses and cross-breeding experiments, the widespread proseriate Pseudomonocelis agilis turned out to consist of a complex of four species, two of which were unnamed. These two new species are described here: P. occidentalis n. sp. and P. orientalis n. sp. The two species are morphologically very similar. Both possess a reddish-brown pigment band in front of the statocyst, and are provided with paired external vaginae. The main difference between the two species is the bursa, which is placed vertically above the vaginal ducts in P. occidentalis, while it is more cranial and is provided with a long, horizontal bursal canal in P. orientalis. Their range is different: western and eastern Mediterranean for P. occidentalis and P. orientalis respectively. Furthermore, P. agilis is redescribed, and the original description of P. cetinae is integrated with the analysis of specimens from the type locality. A diagnostic key for the species of the genus Pseudomonocelis is provided.

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