Species of<i>Staurotheca</i>Allman, 1888 (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from recent antarctic expeditions with R. V.<i>Polarstern</i>, with the description of six new species

Abstract

Thirteen species of the genus Staurotheca Allman, six of which are new to science, have been studied. The material originates from the Weddell Sea region and was collected by several antarctic expeditions with the R. V. Polarstern. Each species is described and figured and its systematic position among allied species discussed. Current data concerning autecology and geographical distribution of each species are discussed. Re-definitions of the genera Staurotheca Allman and Thuiaria Fleming are presented. The species formerly referred to the genus Selaginopsis Allman and found in the southern hemisphere are included in Staurotheca, while the northern ones are sunk in Thuiaria.