Integrative taxonomy raises doubts on the identity of the non-indigenous Ianiropsis occurring in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

In the present paper we report the results of taxonomic analysis through morphological and molecular tools of Ianiropsis (Isopoda) specimens collected in the lagoon of Venice in Italy within Marine Strategy Framework Directive monitoring campaigns. Six specimens previously identified as Ianiropsis serricaudis by morphological analysis were assigned with high confidence to Ianiropsis epilittoralis through barcode sequence analysis of the partial COI gene. This would be the first evidence, based on molecular tools, of the presence of the non-indigenous species (NIS) I. epilittoralis in the Mediterranean Sea. However, the absence of clear morphological data associated to the deposited sequences in BOLD raises doubts on the identity of these Ianiropsis specimens. Diagnostic morphological characters and molecular analysis results are discussed.