Quinquelaophonte aurantius sp. nov., a new harpacticoid species (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Laophontidae: Quinquelaophonte) from New Zealand

The new species <i>Quinquelaophonte aurantius</i> sp.nov. is described, based on specimens collected in Portobello Bay, New Zealand. The species is distinguishable for having long fine setules in the anal operculum distal edge, a breadth ratio of caudal rami length above 3.5, and a rudimentary antenna abexopodal spine. This new species differentiates from <i>Q. parasigmoides</i> and <i>Q. wellsi</i> on the following autapomorphs; short spine-like outer seta in segment 2 of females P3 endopod and the partial reduction of setae in spines from male P3 and P4, longer V-shaped caudal rami, an almost non-existent terminal portion of the antenna exopod with short lateral setae. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate the position of <i>Quinquelaophonte</i> within the family Laophontidae.