Author: (Egger, 1863)
Diagnosis (Material in coll. ZSM)
Exuviae 8.4-9.2mm long.
Cephalothorax: Cephalic tubercles 80-110µm long; 80-120µm wide. Frontal setae 340-440µm long. Anterior thoracic tubercles smaller than the cephalic tubercles, 20-50µm long; 40-80µm wide (026i.jpg). Thoracic horn 230-390µm long; ThR 3.8-8.8.
Note: According to Brundin (1952) the thoracic horn of this species varies greatly from 80-300µm, rarely having a few small teeth at apex, whereas in Protanypus caudatus the thoracic horn is longer and densely toothed apically. However, specimens in ZSM from Austria are intermediate in this respect and have been included here on account of their pale colour and Alpine origin. Further associated material is needed to establish the limits of these forms.
Abdomen: Anterior abdominal tergites virtually unarmed; posterior tergites progressively more extensively armed with minute points. Sternites armed with nail-like spinules, strongest on anterior sternites. Colour pale golden except for the brown anterior edges to the abdominal segments.
Anal segment: Anal lobe ratio 1.6-1.8 (n=5). Each anal lobe bears about ten marginal setae, the posterior of which are spine-like and inserted in conspicuous sockets (026h.jpg) (these setae are often broken off, but their sockets remain.)
Species keys out at Page 527: Diamesinae 3 Protanypus of the Text Key.
Distribution
C Europe: Alps.
(For more information see module IdentifyIt – file: Other subfamilies).
Ecological notes
High Alpine lakes.