taxonID	type	description	language	source
038D87B5FF8CFFC50F604E87184BF988.taxon	description	Fig. 1	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF8CFFC50F604E87184BF988.taxon	discussion	Remarks Weber et al. (2023) treated this species as N. aquilex B, which can be considered N. aquilex sensu stricto. The species was regularly found in nearly all types of biotopes, but surprisingly often in helocrene springs (Supp. file 4.1). It is widespread and common in Western Germany, with more scattered records in Luxembourg, Belgium, and along the Channel Coast in France and Great Britain (Fig. 1). A neotype locality was established by Karaman (1980) from Crowborough (United Kingdom) without mentioning precise coordinates. We sampled the region of Crowborough, and our specimens and sequences can therefore be considered to originate from the neotype locality. The drawing of Schiødte (1855) shows two of the characteristics of N. aquilex, that is, the single seta on the dactylus of the gnathopods and the rounded 3 rd epimeral plate. Karaman (1980) re-described N. aquilex in detail, but he did not take into consideration that N. aquilex might comprise a species complex of morphological similar (pseudocryptic) or identical (cryptic) taxa. Karaman’s specimens are now> 40 years old, and we thus did not try to sequence them. Nevertheless, we obtained three freshly collected specimens from Crowborough and sequenced two COI and three 28 S rDNA sequences. All the sequences corresponded to the former species B senus Weber et al. (2023), which was already delineated by McInerney et al. (2014).	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF8FFFC40F0A4DCE1882FDBD.taxon	description	Fig. 2	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF8FFFC40F0A4DCE1882FDBD.taxon	discussion	Remarks Weber et al. (2023) treated this species as N. schellenbergi, which can be considered N. schellenbergi sensu stricto, given that we also included specimens very close to the type locality in our analyses. The species is widespread from Central to Western Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium (Wallonia), the Netherlands (Limburg), and Eastern France (Fig. 2). While in the first description it was assumed that N. schellenbergi mainly inhabits springs (Karaman 1932), we found it regularly in caves, artificial caverns, meadow drainages, springs, wells, and in the interstitial (Supp. file 4.2). Karaman (1932) set the Gänsbrünnle in the South of Sendelbach (Bavaria, Germany) as type locality, referring to a well along the southern margin of its inferred distribution range in Central Germany, but he did not define any type material. We collected specimens in a spring very close to Gänsbrünnle (Supp. file 3.1). More southern distribution records, particularly in Central-East to South-Eastern France, most likely belong to the newly described sister species Niphargus lotharingiensis sp. nov. The drawing in Karaman (1932) shows well the characteristics of N. schellenbergi, i. e., the gnathopod II nearly in square-form with its 3 setae on its dactylus. The two drawings of the telson exhibit significant discrepancies and are of limited value for taxonomic determination. The same is true of the two drawings of uropod I, in which the outer ramus is longer in one instance and the inner ramus is longer in the other. A drawing of the entire specimen is missing.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF81FFD00C9F4A4F1EA9FE35.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 1522 BA 40 - BBC 2 - 44 B 7 - 9 E 92 - D 0 AE 85085217 Figs 3 – 11	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF81FFD00C9F4A4F1EA9FE35.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Medium-sized Niphargus species, poorly setose. Right posteroventral angle of epimeral plates. Outer 6 spines of maxilla I on outer lobe with 1 tooth each; 1 spine with several smaller teeth. Mandibular palp with small number (1 – 2) of B setae. Gnathopods with 1 seta along outer margin of dactylopodites. Pereiopod VII, the longest leg, almost half of total body length. Pleopods retinaculum with 2 hooks. Uropod I, longer exopodite. Uropod II, longer endopodite. Uropod III sexually dimorphic, exopodite elongated in males. Telson with 3 apical spines on each lobe. The COI marker shows two pure diagnostic sites at positions 55 (C) and 358 (C). Six 28 S rDNA alleles are diagnostic (with 13 heterozygous specimens) as well as 79 COI barcodes.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF81FFD00C9F4A4F1EA9FE35.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species name derives from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where it was first discovered. In Weber et al. (2023), this species was treated as N. aquilex F, F’.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF81FFD00C9F4A4F1EA9FE35.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype LUXEMBOURG • ♂; Girst, Gutland, basin of a spring in the center of the hamlet of Girsterklaus; 49.7847 ° N, 6.4989 ° E; 19 Mar. 2018; Dieter Weber leg.; kept intact in 96 % ethanol; 180319 - 10; MNHNL 130574. Paratypes LUXEMBOURG • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 30 Jan. 2018; dissected and appendages drawn; 180130 - 32; ISER microscope slide DW 180130 - 32 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; dissected and appendages drawn; 180130 - 45; ISER microscope slide DW 180130 - 45 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 27 Mar. 2017; ISER DW 170327 - 02 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 19 Mar. 2018; ISER DW 180319 - 09 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 19 Mar. 2018; ISER DW 180319 - 13 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 27 Mar. 2017; ISER DW 170327 - 06; MNHNL 130575. Molecular data COI and 28 S rDNA sequences of specimens belonging to Niphargus luxemburgensis sp. nov. were deposited in GenBank. COI and 28 S rRNA accession numbers are present in Supp. file 6 and Supp. file 9, respectively.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF81FFD00C9F4A4F1EA9FE35.taxon	description	Description (male paratype ISER DW 180130 - 32) Measurements Total body length 7.7 mm (Fig. 3). Head Head (Fig. 3) 8.60 % of total body length. Eyes and rostrum absent. Antennae Antenna I (Fig. 4 A): with the main flagellum formed of 18 articles representing 41 % of total body length. Peduncle length ⅓ of total length of antenna I. The accessory flagellum (Fig. 4 B) biarticulated; proximal article slightly longer than first article of main flagellum; distal article ¼ of total length of accessory flagellum, with 2 apical setae of different lengths and 1 aesthetasc. Aesthetascs ⅓ of respective flagellum articles (Fig. 4 C). Antenna II (Fig. 4 D): flagellum formed of 8 articles and representing 40 % of total length of antenna II. Most flagellum articles bear 1 short aesthetasc. Mouthparts Labium (Fig. 5 A): large inner lobes with no setae. Outer lobes with 1 row of fine setae subapically on inner sides. Labrum (not shown) typical, subovoid shape. Maxilla I (Fig. 5 B): with 4 apical setae on distal article of palp. Six spines of outer lobe with 1 tooth each and 1 spine with several small teeth. Inner lobe with 1 apical seta. Maxilla II (Fig. 5 C): with inner lobe slightly shorter than outer lobe. 1 apical row of setae and 1 subapical seta on each lobe. Left mandible (Fig. 5 D): 5 teeth on incisor process. 5 teeth on lacinia mobilis. 5 serrated setae, alternated with 6 trifid setae, between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Right mandible (Fig. 5 E): 5 teeth on incisor process. 7 small teeth on lacinia mobilis. 3 serrated and 2 trifid setae between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Long seta on molar process. Mandibular palps (Fig. 5 D – E): highly similar and of same length. 3 articles account for 19 % (article 1), 39 % (article 2) and 42 % (article 3) of total length of palp. Proximal article without setae, median article with 6 – 9 ventral setae. Distal article of palp with one group of 5 A setae, three groups with 1 – 2 B setae, 14 D setae and 4 E setae. Maxilliped (Fig. 6 A): with palp formed of 4 articles. Article 1 asetose. Article 2 with 18 setae aligned along inner margin. Article 3 with 5 apical setae, one group of 8 dorsal setae and one group of 5 setae on inner margin. Article 4 with 1 seta located on outer margin and 2 setae at nail insertion. Outer lobe with 7 apical setae and 8 flattened setae on inner margin. Inner lobe with 6 apical setae. Gnathopods Gnathopod I (Fig. 6 B): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, with depth larger than width (ratio depth: width 1.0: 0.85). Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.43. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 5 setae. Basis length: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.54. Carpus with row of 10 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 4 setae located anterodorsally and two groups of 3 – 5 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite nearly as long as wide, five groups of 2 – 4 setae on ventral margin, one group of 2 setae on dorsal margin, one group of 6 anterodorsal setae, one group of 6 anteroapical setae, 1 mesial seta on lateral surface, one group of 2 setae on lateral surface close to ventral margin and one group of 2 setae close to palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 35 % of total dactylopodite length and 1 seta along outer margin. Gnathopod II (Fig. 6 C): slightly larger than gnathopod I, with coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid; coxal plate width almost similar in length with depth (ratio width: depth 1.0: 0.95). Ovoid gill. Basis length: width ratio is 1.0: 0.34. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 5 setae. Basis length: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.56. Carpus with row of 12 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 3 setae located anterodorsally and one group of 4 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite as long as wide, 6 groups of 2 – 5 setae on ventral margin, 1 seta on dorsal margin, one group of 4 anterodorsal setae and 5 anteroapical setae. 1 mesial seta on lateral surface, 2 setae close to palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 37 % of total dactylopodite length and 1 seta along outer margin. Pereopods Pereopod III (Fig. 7 A): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, ratio width-depth 1.0: 0.9. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.4. Dactylus, with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus, 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip. Pereopod III equal in length to pereopod IV (pereopod III length: pereopod IV length ratio 1.0: 1.0). Pereopod IV (Fig. 7 B): relatively rectangular coxal plate, with concavity on posterior margin, width: depth ratio 1.0: 0.82. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.46. Robust dactylus, with nail measuring 0.44 % of total length of dactylus; 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip and 1 seta at nail base. Pereopod V (Fig. 8 A): coxal plate of irregular shape, with deep concavity on ventral side and 1 anterior seta. Basis ovoid-rectangular shaped, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.66, 6 setae on posterior margin, 4 setae on anterior margin, 3 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with one dorsal seta with plumose tip, 1 seta and 1 spine at nail base, which represents ⅓ of total dactylus length. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.45. Pereopod VI (Fig. 8 B): coxal plate smaller than that of pereopod V, but highly similar in shape and 1 posterior seta. Basis ovoid-rectangular shaped, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.67, 6 setae on posterior margin, 5 setae on anterior margin, 3 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 1 spine near nail base. Nail length slightly more than ⅓ of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite length: dactylus length 1.0: 0.4. Pereopod VII (Fig. 8 C): longest leg (3.1 mm) of inspected paratype male. Coxal plate trapezoidal, with 1 seta on posterior margin. Basis ovoid-rectangular, ratio length: width 1.0: 0.6, 8 setae on posterior margin, 2 setae on anterior margin and 3 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 1 spine near nail base. Nail length slightly more than ⅓ of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite length: dactylus length 1.0: 0.36. Pereopods V: VI: VII ratio 1.0: 1.34: 1.49. Pleopods Similar in shape and size (pleopod I depicted in Fig. 9 A), with unequal rami and 2 hooks on retinaculum. Epimeral plates (Fig. 9 B) Epimeral plate I with right postero-ventral angle, relatively straight ventral margin, convex posterior margin with 5 setae. Epimeral plate II with right postero-ventral angle, relatively straight ventral margin with 2 spines, convex posterior margin with 6 setae. Epimeral plate III with right posteroventral angle, relative straight ventral margin with 1 spine, convex posterior margin with 6 setae. Uropods Uropod I (Fig. 10 A): with two dorso-lateral rows of 4 spines on peduncle. Exopodite slightly longer than endopodite, and ratio of exopodite length: endopodite length 1.0: 0.85. 1 strong spine at base of uropod I. Uropod II (Fig. 10 B): with 1 dorsal spine and 3 apical spines. Endopodite longer than exopodite, endopodite length: exopodite length ratio 1.0: 0.81, both rami with low number of spines. Uropod III (Fig. 10 C): sexually differentiated, longer in males. Peduncle with 4 apical spiniform setae. Short endopodite about half the length of peduncle, with 2 apical setae. Proximal segment of exopodite longer than distal segment (ratio 1.0: 0.77). Anterior margin of proximal segment of exopodite with 5 groups of 2 – 3 setae; posterior margin of exopodite with 3 groups of 1 – 2 setae; one group of 3 posteroapical setae. Distal segment of exopodite with 3 groups of 2 setae on anterior margin, 3 groups of 1 – 2 setae on posterior margin and 4 apical setae of different lengths. Telson Telson (Fig. 10 E) nearly as wide as long (width: length ratio 0.95), with 1 subapical and 3 apical spines of different lengths on each lobe. Longest spine almost half of telson length. 2 thin setae of different lengths and plumose tip, 1 seta medially on 1 lobe. Sexual dimorphism The examined male and female are highly similar. Besides the usual sexual dimorphism (e. g., slightly smaller gnathopods, presence of oostegites, and slightly deeper coxal plates I – VI in females), in N. luxemburgensis sp. nov., female uropod III (Fig. 10 D) is shorter compared to that of male. Female telson similar to that of the male, but smaller (Fig. 10 F). Intraspecific and interspecific variability The intraspecific morphological variability of N. luxemburgensis sp. nov. appears to be very low. All morphological characters were nearly identical in all inspected specimens (data not shown).	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF81FFD00C9F4A4F1EA9FE35.taxon	biology_ecology	Type locality, ecology and distribution The type locality is the basin of a spring in the center of the hamlet of Girsterklaus (community of Girst, Gutland, Luxembourg) at 49.7847 ° N, 6.4989 ° E (Supp. file 3.2 & 3.3). The artificial basin is made of sandstone. The water contains algae; the bottom of the basin is covered with mud. Specimens of Niphargus luxemburgensis sp. nov. were found in the mud as well as among the algae. The water has a hardness of 15 ° GH (where one degree equals to 17.9 mg / l CaCO 3) and a slightly acidic pH of 6.7. There is no human access, neither to the actual spring, nor to the groundwater. We confirm the permanent presence of this species in the type locality as it was found on 10 July 2016, 4 September 2016, 30 January 2018, 17 February 2018 and 19 May 2018. In the same basin of the spring, N. schellenbergi sensu stricto was also found. We successfully collected 82 specimens of N. schellenbergi in 15 springs and 1 mine, at a distance of maximum 10 km around the type locality, in Luxembourg and in Germany, but could not find N. luxemburgensis there. The type locality was free of gammarids (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) during the periods of collection. Niphargus luxemburgensis seems to be a typical species of the interstitial environment (Supp. file 4.3). It is widely distributed from the UK and North to Central France, Belgium, Germany to the Czech Republic in the East (Fig. 11). The frequent presence in Luxembourg and bordering Germany (Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland) must be most likely attributed to a more intense sampling in those regions.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF81FFD00C9F4A4F1EA9FE35.taxon	distribution	Niphargus luxemburgensis sp. nov. is the only species described herein with two strongly divided subclades (F and F’). Although the genetic distance is relatively large, the connection in the haplotype network identifies both as belonging to the same species. The two clades cannot be distinguished morphologically. Nevertheless, they are geographically separated with only a small overlap: Clade F’, including the type locality, has its distribution in the North-Eastern half of France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the very West of Germany (Fig. 11). Clade F is distributed in southern England, the very North of France, Belgium, Luxemburg, all over Germany without the North and the South, up to the Czech Republic (Fig. 11). The geographic overlap of both clades includes Belgium, Luxembourg, and the very West of Germany. The higher number of sites for clade F might be a sampling artefact, as our dataset comprised many more sites in Germany than in France. It can be assumed that the two subclades of N. luxemburgensis are in the process of ecological speciation. Niphargus luxemburgensis sp. nov. has a moderate geographical overlap with Niphargus vejdovskyi Wrześniowski, 1890 in the very East of its distribution range, with the latter having been described as N. puteanus var. vejdovskyi from wells in Prague (Wrześniowski 1890), the village of Bechlín close to Roudnice and from the wells between Kralupy and Vodolka in Bohemia (Czech Republic). Wrześniowski’s drawings are difficult to understand but show some similarities to the N. aquilex species group. This taxon was re-described as N. aquilex vejdovskyi and synonymised with N. aquilex var. bohemica Ortmann (Schellenberg 1932), based on material from Schneeberg in the Ore Mountains (Saxony, Germany), from Brunersdorf (Saxony, Germany). Schellenberg assumed that three females from Heligoland (Schleswig-Holstein, Germany) also belong to this species. The inner lobe of the maxilla I of the specimens from Heligoland has 3 to 6 apical setae (Schellenberg 1932), while N. luxemburgensis (as well as all other newly described species herein) has 1 apical seta only. Niphargus vejdovskyi is therefore not identical to N. luxemburgensis, but DNA sequences of the former are not yet available.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF9AFFDE0F2949731B3EFA31.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 5 DA 10 A 74 - 7763 - 41 C 9 - B 0 ED- 76 AD 156 C 03 D 4 Figs 12 – 20	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF9AFFDE0F2949731B3EFA31.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Medium-sized Niphargus species, poorly setose. Right postero-ventral angle of epimeral plates. Six spines of maxilla I outer lobe with 1 – 3 teeth each; 1 spine with several smaller teeth. Mandibular palp with small number (1 – 2) of B setae. Gnathopods with 1 seta along outer margin of dactylopodites. Pereiopod VII, the longest leg, almost half of total body length. Pleopods retinaculum with 3 hooks. Uropod I, longer exopodite. Uropod II, longer endopodite. Uropod III sexually dimorphic, exopodite elongated in males. Telson with 4 apical spines on each lobe. The COI marker shows six pure diagnostic sites at positions 31 (C), 184 (C), 223 (G), 353 (G), 358 (G) and 391 (A). A single 28 S rDNA allele is diagnostic as well as 21 COI barcodes.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF9AFFDE0F2949731B3EFA31.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species name derives from the German Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate, where the type locality is located. In Weber et al. (2023), this species was treated as N. aquilex A.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF9AFFDE0F2949731B3EFA31.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype GERMANY • ♂; Rhineland-Palatinate, Waldleiningen, Felsenbrunnen in the Palatinate Forest in the Middle Buntsandstein; rheocrene spring; 49.2881 ° N, 7.8467 ° E; 14 Dec. 2016; Dieter Weber leg.; kept intact in 96 % ethanol; 161214 - 02; MNHNL 130574. Paratypes GERMANY • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 14 Dec. 2016; dissected and appendages drawn; 161214 - 01; ISER microscope slide DW 161214 - 01 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 8 Aug. 2017; dissected and appendages drawn; 170808 - 13; ISER microscope slide DW 170808 - 13. Molecular data COI and 28 S rDNA sequences of specimens belonging to Niphargus palatinensis sp. nov. were deposited in GenBank. COI and 28 S rRNA accession numbers are present in Supp. file 6 and Supp. file 9, respectively.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF9AFFDE0F2949731B3EFA31.taxon	description	Description (male paratype ISER DW 161214 - 01) Measurements Total body length 6.92 mm (Fig. 12). Head Head (Fig. 12) 8 % of total body length. Eyes and rostrum absent. Antennae Antenna I (Fig. 13 A): with main flagellum formed of 20 articles, representing 50 % of total body length. Peduncle length 35 % of total length of antenna I. The accessory flagellum (Fig. 13 B). Biarticulated; proximal article shorter than first article of main flagellum; distal article 27 % of total length of accessory flagellum, with 4 apical setae of different lengths and 1 aesthetasc. Aesthetascs ¾ of respective main flagellum articles (Fig. 13 C). Antenna II (Fig. 13 D): flagellum formed of 10 articles and representing 50 % of total length of antenna II. Most flagellum articles bear 1 aesthetasc, longer than half of respective flagellum articles. Mouthparts Labrum (Fig. 14 A): typical, subovoid shape. Labium (Fig. 14 B). Large inner lobes with 1 row of fine setae on inner sides. Outer lobes with 2 rows of fine setae subapically on inner sides. Maxilla I (Fig. 14 C): with 3 apical setae on distal article of palp. 6 spines of outer lobe with 1 – 3 teeth each and 1 spine with several small teeth. Inner lobe with 1 apical seta. Maxilla II (Fig. 14 D): with inner lobe slightly shorter than outer lobe. 1 apical row of setae and 4 setae on inner margin of each lobe. Left mandible (Fig. 14 E): 6 teeth on incisor process. 5 teeth on lacinia mobilis. 8 serrated setae intercalated with 4 trifid setae, between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Right mandible (Fig. 14 F): 5 teeth on incisor process. Lacinia mobilis with several smaller teeth. 7 serrated and 2 trifid setae between lacinia mobilis and molar process. A long seta on molar process. Mandibular palps (Fig. 14 E – F): highly similar and of same length. 3 articles account for 17 % (article 1), 39 % (article 2) and 44 % (article 3) of total length of palp. Proximal article without setae, median article with 8 ventral setae. Distal article of palp with one group of 3 A setae, three groups with 1 B setae, 17 D setae and 5 – 6 E setae. Maxilliped (Fig. 15 A): with palp formed of 4 articles. Article 1 with 2 setae on inner margin. Article 2 with 23 setae aligned along inner margin. Article 3 with 4 apical setae, one group of 6 dorsal setae and one group of 7 setae on inner margin. Article 4 with 1 seta located on outer margin and 2 fine setae at nail insertion. Outer lobe with 5 apical setae and 9 flattened setae on inner margin. Inner lobe provided apically with 3 setae, 1 flattened seta and 2 dorsal setae. Gnathopods Gnathopod I (Fig. 15 B): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, with depth larger than width (ratio depth: width 1.0: 0.64). Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.44. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 3 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.58. Carpus with row of 7 setae along ventral margin, group of 5 setae located anterodorsally and one group of 8 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite as long as wide, three groups of 3 – 4 setae on ventral margin, one group of 4 setae on dorsal margin, one group of 10 anteroapical setae, 3 mesial setae on lateral surface, and one group of 3 setae close to palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 26 % of te total dactylopodite length and 1 seta along outer margin. Gnathopod II (Fig. 15 C): slightly larger than gnathopod I, with coxal plate in shape of trapezoid; coxal plate width larger than depth (ratio width: depth 1.0: 0.7). Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.31. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 4 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.54. Carpus with row of 6 setae along ventral margin, group of 4 setae located anterodorsally and 1 row of 4 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite as long as wide, with 5 groups of 3 setae on ventral margin, 4 setae on dorsal margin, 1 mesial seta on lateral surface, 8 anteroapical setae, one group of 5 setae on lateral surface close to ventral margin, and 3 setae close to palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 28 % of total dactylopodite length and 1 seta along outer margin. Pereopods Pereopod III (Fig. 16 A): coxal plate in shape of rectangular, with width larger than depth, width: depth ratio 0.7. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.45. Dactylus, with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus, 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip, and 1 seta at nail base. Pereopod III nearly equal to pereopod IV (pereopod III: pereopod IV length ratio 1.0: 0.98). Pereopod IV (Fig. 16 B): relatively rectangular coxal plate, with concavity on posterior margin, width: depth ratio 1.0: 0.7. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.54. Robust dactylus, with nail half of total length of dactylus; 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip and 1 seta at nail base. Pereopod V (Fig. 17 A): coxal plate of irregular shape, with deep concavity on ventral side, 4 anterior setae and 1 posterior seta. Basis rectangular, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.57, 4 setae on anterior margin, 9 setae on posterior margin, 3 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip, 1 seta at nail base, which represents 45 % of total dactylus length. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.36. Pereopod VI (Fig. 17 B): coxal plate smaller than that of pereopod V, with concavity on ventral side less deep than that of pereopod V, and 1 posterior seta. Basis rectangular, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.55, 4 setae on anterior margin, 8 setae on posterior margin, 2 anteroapical setae. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 2 setae of different lengths near nail base. Nail 36 % of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite: dactylus length 1.0: 0.33. Pereopod VII (Fig. 17 C): longest leg (3.22 mm) of inspected paratype male. Coxal plate trapezoidal, with 1 seta on posterior margin. Basis rectangular, ratio length: width 1.0: 0.5, 3 setae on anterior margin, 14 setae on posterior margin and 2 small anteroapical setae. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 2 setae near nail base. Nail length 31 % of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite: dactylus length 1.0: 0.3. Pereopods V: VI: VII ratio 1.0: 1.35: 1.42. Pleopods Pleopods. Similar (pleopod III depicted in Fig. 18 A), with unequal rami and 3 hooks on retinaculum. Epimeral plates (Fig. 18 B) Epimeral plate I with right postero-ventral angle, relatively straight ventral margin, convex posterior margin with 6 setae. Epimeral plate II with right postero-ventral angle, convex ventral margin with 3 spines, convex posterior margin with 6 setae. Epimeral plate III with right posteroventral angle, convex ventral margin with 3 spines, convex posterior margin with 6 setae. Uropods Uropod I (Fig. 19 A): with two dorso-lateral rows of 6 – 8 spines on peduncle. Exopodite slightly longer than endopodite, ratio exopodite: endopodite lengths> plural correct? 1.0: 0.82. 1 strong spine at base of uropod I. Uropod II (Fig. 19 B): with 5 dorsal spines and 1 apical spine on peduncle. Endopodite slightly longer than exopodite, endopodite: exopodite length ratio 1.0: 0.88, both rami provided with 4 – 6 dorsal and 4 apical spines. Uropod III (Fig. 19 C): sexually differentiated, longer in males. Peduncle with 5 apical, 3 anterior and 1 posterior setae. Endopodite 62 % of length of peduncle, with 3 apical setae, 1 subapical and 1 lateral seta on ventral margin. Proximal segment of exopodite shorter than distal segment. Distal: proximal articles length ratio 1.0: 0.93. Anterior margin of proximal segment of exopodite with 6 groups of 1 – 3 setae (including plumose setae); posterior margin of exopodite with 5 groups of 1 – 2 setae; 3 antero- and 3 posteroapical setae. Distal segment of exopodite with 4 groups of 2 setae on anterior margin, 4 setae on posterior margin, and 7 apical setae of different lengths. Telson Telson (Fig. 19 E). Nearly as wide as long (length: width ratio 0.95), with 2 subapical and 4 apical spines of different lengths on each lobe. Longest spine 60 % of telson length. 2 thin setae of different lengths and plumose tip on each lobe, 1 seta medially on 1 lobe. Sexual dimorphism The examined male and female are highly similar. Besides the usual sexual dimorphism (e. g., slightly smaller gnathopods, presence of oostegites, and slightly deeper coxal plates I – VI in females), in N. palatinensis sp. nov., female uropod III (Fig. 19 D) is shorter comparted to that of male. The telson of the inspected female paratype is provided apically with 4 setae on each lobe, and 2 subapical setae on one lobe only (Fig. 19 F).	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF9AFFDE0F2949731B3EFA31.taxon	distribution	Type locality, ecology and distribution The species is mainly distributed in the United Kingdom and Western Germany, although two sites from France and one from the Channel Islands (Guernsey) are known (Fig. 20). The type locality is the Felsenbrunnen in the Palatinate Forest (community of Waldleiningen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) in the Middle Buntsandstein at 49.2881 ° N, 7.8467 ° E (Supp. file 3.4). It is a natural rheocrene with a permanent moderate flow.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF9AFFDE0F2949731B3EFA31.taxon	biology_ecology	The bottom of the spring is covered with sand and rotting foliage above (Supp. file 3.5). With a hardness of 4 ° GH, the water is very soft. Other species of neither Niphargus nor gammarids were found in this spring. We confirm the permanent presence of this species in the type locality as it was found on 14 December 2016 and 14 June 2019. The species was regularly found in all types of biotopes. Due to the small number of sampling sites, we withstand in providing a more detailed ecological interpretation (Supp. file 4.4).	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF94FFE50CDE4D681E0FFC6D.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: DA 362 C 5 F- 406 A- 4759 - B 64 C- 318 A 1 A 9 E 823 E Figs 21 – 29	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF94FFE50CDE4D681E0FFC6D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Medium-sized Niphargus species, poorly setose. Right postero-ventral angle of epimeral plates. Six spines of maxilla I outer lobe with 1 tooth each; 1 spine with several smaller teeth. Mandibular palp with small number (1 – 2) of B setae. Gnathopods with 1 seta along outer margin of dactylopodite. Pereiopod VII, the longest leg, slightly longer than half of total body length. Pleopods retinaculum with 5 hooks. Uropod I, longer exopodite. Uropod II, longer endopodite. Uropod III sexually dimorphic, exopodite elongated in males. Telson with 3 apical spines on each lobe. No pure diagnostic sites are present in the COI marker, but a single 28 S rDNA allele as well as six COI barcodes are diagnostic.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF94FFE50CDE4D681E0FFC6D.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species name derives from the French region of Normandy, where the type locality is located. In Weber et al. (2023), this species was treated as N. aquilex D, N.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF94FFE50CDE4D681E0FFC6D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype FRANCE • ♂; Calvados, Carrière souterrain de Saint-Vaast-en-Auge, small lake in a subterranean quarry in sandstone outside the village Saint-Vaast-en-Auge; 49.2910 ° N, 0.0009 ° W; 26 May 2018; Dieter Weber leg.; kept intact in 96 % ethanol; 180526 - 43 a; MNHNL 130577. Paratypes FRANCE • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 26 May 2018; dissected and appendages drawn; 180526 - 36; ISER microscope slide DW 180526 - 36 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 26 May 2018; dissected and appendages drawn; 180526 - 31; ISER microscope slide DW 180526 - 31 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 26 May 2018; ISER DW 180526 - 32 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 26 May 2018; ISER DW 180526 - 33. Molecular data COI and 28 S rDNA sequences of specimens belonging to Niphargus normandiensis sp. nov. were deposited in GenBank. COI and 28 S rRNA accession numbers are present in Supp. file 6 and Supp. file 9, respectively.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF94FFE50CDE4D681E0FFC6D.taxon	description	Description (male paratype ISER DW 180526 - 36) Measurements Total body length is 7.54 mm (Fig. 21). Head Head (Fig. 21) 7.3 % of total body length. Eyes and rostrum absent. Antennae Antenna I (Fig. 22 A): with main flagellum formed of 17 articles, representing 55 % of total body length. Peduncle length 40 % of total length of antenna I. Accessory flagellum (Fig. 22 B) biarticulated; proximal article slightly longer than first article of main flagellum; distal article 28 % of total length of accessory flagellum, with 3 apical setae of different lengths and 1 aesthetasc. Aesthetascs ⅓ of respective main flagellum articles (Fig. 22 C). Antenna II (Fig. 22 D): flagellum formed of 8 articles and representing 42 % of total length of antenna II. Most flagellum articles bear 1 aesthetasc, ¼ length of respective flagellum articles. Mouthparts Labrum (Fig. 23 A): typical, subovoid shape. Labium (Fig. 23 B). Large inner lobes with 1 row of fine setae on inner sides. Outer lobes with 1 row of fine setae subapically on inner sides. Maxilla I (Fig. 23 C): with 3 apical setae on distal article of palp. Six spines of outer lobe with 1 tooth each and 1 spine with several small teeth. Inner lobe with 1 apical seta. Maxilla II (Fig. 23 D): with inner lobe slightly shorter than outer lobe. 1 apical row of setae on each lobe. Left mandible (Fig. 23 E): 5 teeth on incisor process. 3 teeth on lacinia mobilis. 10 serrated setae between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Right mandible (Fig. 23 F): 4 teeth on incisor process. 2 teeth on lacinia mobilis. 5 serrated setae between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Long seta on molar process. Mandibular palps (Fig. 23 E – F): highly similar and of same length. 3 articles account for 18 % (article 1), 36 % (article 2) and 46 % (article 3) of total length of palp. Proximal article without setae, median article with 6 – 7 ventral setae. Distal article of palp with one group of 5 A setae, four groups with 1 B setae each, 22 – 23 D setae and 6 E setae. Maxilliped (Fig. 24 A): with palp formed of 4 articles. Article 1 asetose. Article 2 with 23 setae aligned along inner margin. Article 3 with 6 apical setae, one group of 6 dorsal setae and one group of 4 setae on inner margin. Article 4 with 1 seta located on outer margin and 2 setae at nail insertion. Outer lobe with 5 apical setae and 8 flattened setae on inner margin. Inner lobe provided apically with 5 setae and 1 flattened seta. Gnathopods Gnathopod I (Fig. 24 B): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, with depth larger than width (ratio depth: width 1.0: 0.53). Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.64. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 8 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.75. Carpus with row of 9 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 3 setae located anterodorsally and one group of 2 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite nearly as long as wide, five groups of 3 – 4 setae on ventral margin, two groups of 2 setae each on dorsal margin, one group of 5 setae on propodite surface close to dorsal margin, one group of 10 anteroapical setae, 2 mesial setae on lateral surface, 2 setae on lateral surface close to ventral margin and one group of 3 setae close to palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 30 % of total dactylopodite length and 1 seta along outer margin. Gnathopod II (Fig. 24 C): slightly larger than gnathopod I, with coxal plate in shape of trapezoid; coxal plate wider than deep (ratio width: depth 1.0: 0.7). Ovoid gill and of same length as coxal plate width. Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.38. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 6 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.57. Carpus with row of 9 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 6 setae located anterodorsally and 1 row of 5 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite width larger than length (ratio width: length 1.0: 0.94), with 7 groups of 3 – 5 setae on ventral margin, one group of 6 setae on dorsal margin, one group of 2 setae on lateral surface close to dorsal margin, 1 mesial seta on lateral surface, one anterodorsal group of 8 setae, and one group of 3 long setae in vicinity of palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 3 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 30 % of total dactylopodite length and 1 seta along outer margin. Pereopods Pereopod III (Fig. 25 A): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, wider than deep (ratio width: depth 1.0: 0.75). Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.4. Dactylus, with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus, 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip, and 2 setae at nail base. Pereopod III slightly longer than pereopod IV (pereopod III: pereopod IV length ratio 1.0: 0.95). Pereopod IV (Fig. 25 B): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, width: depth ratio 1.0: 0.68. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.4. Robust dactylus, with nail measuring almost half of total length of dactylus; 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip and 2 setae of different lengths at nail base. Pereopod V (Fig. 26 A). Shortest leg (2.64 mm) of inspected male paratype. Coxal plate of irregular shape, with deep concavity on ventral side, and 2 anterior setae. Basis rectangular, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.62, 3 setae on anterior margin, 6 setae on posterior margin, 3 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip, 2 setae of different lengths at nail base, which representing 42 % of total dactylus length. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.49. Pereopod VI (Fig. 26 B): coxal plate relatively similar to that of pereopod V, with 1 posterior seta. Basis rectangular, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.58, 4 setae on anterior margin, 10 setae on posterior margin, 3 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 2 setae of different lengths near nail base. Nail ⅓ of total dactylus length. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.42. Pereopod VII (Fig. 26 C): longest leg (3.90 mm) of inspected paratype male. Coxal plate trapezoidal, with 1 seta on posterior margin. Basis rectangular, ratio length: width 1.0: 0.52, 5 setae on anterior margin, 11 setae on posterior margin and 2 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 1 seta near nail base. Nail length 35 % of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite: dactylus length 1.0: 0.38. Pereopods V: VI: VII ratio 1.0: 1.31: 1.47. Pleopods Pleopods similar (pleopod III depicted in Fig. 27 A), with unequal rami and 5 hooks on retinaculum. One of pleopods III laterally with 2 additional hooks on retinaculum. Epimeral plates (Fig. 27 B) Epimeral plate I with right postero-ventral angle, straight ventral margin, relatively straight posterior margin with 4 setae. Epimeral plate II with right postero-ventral angle, convex ventral margin with 2 spines, convex posterior margin with 3 spines. Epimeral plate III with right posteroventral angle, straight ventral margin with 2 spines, convex posterior margin with 5 spines. Uropods Uropod I (Fig. 28 A): with two dorso-lateral rows of 3 – 4 spines on peduncle. Exopodite longer than endopodite, exopodite: endopodite length ratio 1.0: 0.66. 1 strong spine at base of uropod I. Uropod II (Fig. 28 B): with 4 dorsal and 2 apical spines on peduncle. Endopodite longer than exopodite, endopodite: exopodite length ratio 1.0: 0.84, both rami provided with 1 – 2 dorsal and 5 apical spines. Uropod III (Fig. 28 C) sexually differentiated, longer in males. Peduncle with 4 posteroapical setae. Endopodite 67 % of length of peduncle, with 4 small apical setae. Distal segment of exopodite slightly longer than proximal segment (ratio 1.0: 0.95). Anterior margin of proximal segment of exopodite with 3 groups of 3 – 4 setae; posterior margin of exopodite with 4 groups of 2 – 4 setae; 1 antero- and 1 posteroapical seta. Distal segment of exopodite with 3 groups of 2 setae on anterior margin, 4 groups of 2 setae on posterior margin, and 8 apical setae of different lengths. Telson Telson (Fig. 28 E) wide (width: length ratio 1.0: 0.76), with 3 long apical spines, 2 spines and 2 thin setae with plumose tip located medially on each lobe. Longest spine 78 % of telson length. Sexual dimorphism The examined male and female are highly similar. Besides the usual sexual dimorphism (e. g., slightly smaller gnathopods, presence of oostegites, and slightly deeper coxal plates I – VI in females), in N. normandiensis sp. nov., the female uropod III is shorter comparted to that of the male (Fig. 28 D). The female telson is highly similar to that of the male, but smaller (Fig. 28 F).	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FF94FFE50CDE4D681E0FFC6D.taxon	biology_ecology	Type locality, ecology and distribution The species comprises three distinct genetic clades (clade N, D and non-annotated) which are distributed in the Normandy (France), with further scattered records on the Channel Islands (Guernsey, Jersey), on two islands off the Brittany Coast of France and in more Central France (Fig. 29). Thereby, clade D is restricted to Normandy (France), whereas both other clades occur on islands in the Atlantic Ocean and in more Central France. The type locality is the Carrière souterrain de Saint-Vaast-en-Auge, Calvados, France at 49.2910 ° N, 0.00090 ° W, a subterranean quarry in sandstone outside the village (Supp. file 3.6). The 50 m long cavity is completely dry with a small lake with stagnant water at 40 – 45 m distance from the entrance, behind a collapsed mine gallery. The water level varies seasonally from 20 – 70 cm. Specimens of N. normandiensis sp. nov. were found swimming on the clayey bottom of this lake. We confirm the permanent presence of this species in the type locality as it was found on 26 May 2018 as well as on 20 May 2019. We found this species in several springs and in one subterranean quarry. Ecological details are not inferred due to the small number of sampling sites.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFA1FFF10F2C4EBB1BBDFE73.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: E 36 BC 687 - B 276 - 47 E 9 - B 685 - 24 FC 0718 F 3 DA Figs 30 – 38	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFA1FFF10F2C4EBB1BBDFE73.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Medium-sized Niphargus species, poorly setose. Right postero-ventral angle of epimeral plates. 6 spines of maxilla I outer lobe with 1 – 3 teeth each; 1 spine with several smaller teeth. Mandibular palp with small number (1 – 2) of B setae. Gnathopods with 2 setae along outer margin of dactylopodite. Pereiopod VII, the longest leg, almost half of total body length. Pleopods retinaculum with 2 – 3 hooks. Uropod I, longer exopodite. Uropod II, longer endopodite. Uropod III sexually dimorphic, exopodite elongated in males. Telson with 5 apical spines on each lobe. The COI marker shows a single pure diagnostic site at position 586 (C). Two 28 S rDNA alleles are diagnostic (with 1 heterozygous specimen) as well as 12 COI barcodes.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFA1FFF10F2C4EBB1BBDFE73.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species name derives from the Wasgau uplands, which are formed by the Palatinate Forest (Germany) in the North and the Vosges Mountains (France) in the South. In Weber et al. (2023), this species was treated as N. aquilex I.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFA1FFF10F2C4EBB1BBDFE73.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype GERMANY • ♂; Rhineland-Palatinate, Sülzlochquelle 2 in the community of Godramstein; rheocrene spring; 49.2152 ° N, 8.0842 ° E; 1 Jan. 2017; Dieter Weber leg.; kept intact in 96 % ethanol; 170101 - 25; MNHNL 130578. Paratypes GERMANY • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 1 Jan. 2017; dissected and appendages drawn; 170101 - 22; ISER microscope slide DW 170101 - 22 • 1 ♀; Rhineland-Palatinate, Breitenborntal-Brunnen 3 at Schweigen-Rechtenbach; 49.0643 ° N, 7.9406 ° E; 16 Jul. 2016; Dieter Weber leg.; dissected and appendages drawn; 160716 - 25; ISER microscope slide DW 160716 - 25. Molecular data	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFA1FFF10F2C4EBB1BBDFE73.taxon	description	Description (male paratype ISER DW 170101 - 22) Measurements Total body length is 6.22 mm (Fig. 30). Head Head (Fig. 30) 9.6 % of total body length. Eyes and rostrum absent. Antennae Antenna I (Fig. 31 A): with main flagellum formed of 20 articles, representing 52 % of total body length. Peduncle length 36 % of total length of antenna I. Accessory flagellum (Fig. 31 B) biarticulated; proximal article shorter than first article of main flagellum; distal article 25 % of total length of accessory flagellum, with 3 apical setae of different lengths and 1 aesthetasc. Aesthetascs half of respective main flagellum articles (Fig. 31 C). Antenna II (Fig. 31 D): flagellum formed of 8 articles and representing 39 % of total length of antenna II. Most flagellum articles bear 1 aesthetasc, half the length of respective flagellum articles. Mouthparts Labrum (Fig. 32 A): typical, subovoid shape. Labium (Fig. 32 B). Large inner lobes with 1 row of fine setae on inner sides. Outer lobes with 1 row of fine setae subapically on inner sides. Maxilla I (Fig. 32 C): with 4 apical setae on distal article of palp. Six spines of outer lobe with 1 – 4 teeth each and 1 spine with several small teeth. Inner lobe with 1 apical seta. Maxilla II (Fig. 32 D): with inner lobe slightly shorter than outer lobe. 1 apical and 1 subapical row of setae on each lobe. 1 row of fine setae on outer margin of outer lobe. Left mandible (Fig. 32 E): 4 teeth on incisor process. 4 teeth on lacinia mobilis. 4 serrate and 1 trifid seta between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Right mandible (Fig. 32 F): 4 teeth on incisor process. Several small denticles on lacinia mobilis. 4 serrate and 4 trifid setae between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Long seta at base of molar process. Mandibular palps (Fig. 32 E – F): highly similar and of same length. 3 articles account for 19 % (article 1), 37 % (article 2) and 44 % (article 3) of total length of palp. Proximal article without setae, median article with 9 – 10 ventral setae. Distal article of palp with one group of 4 A setae, three groups with 1 B setae each, 9 – 13 D setae and 6 E setae. Maxilliped (Fig. 33 A): with palp formed of 4 articles. Article 1 with 2 setae on inner margin. Article 2 with 24 setae aligned along inner margin. Article 3 with 3 apical setae, one group of 5 dorsal setae and one group of 7 setae on inner margin. Article 4 with 1 seta located on outer margin and 2 setae at nail insertion. The outer lobe with 3 apical setae and 9 flattened setae on inner margin. Inner lobe provided apically with 7 setae and 1 flattened seta. Gnathopods Gnathopod I (Fig. 33 B): coxal plate with irregular shape, with depth larger than width (ratio depth: width 1.0: 0.64). Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.44. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 3 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.6. Carpus with row of 11 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 3 setae located anterodorsally and one group of 5 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite as long as wide, 4 groups of 1 – 4 setae on ventral margin, one anterodorsal group of 3 setae, one group of 7 anteroapical setae, 2 mesial setae on lateral surface, 2 setae on lateral surface close to ventral margin, and one group of 3 setae close to palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 35 % of total dactylopodite length and 2 setae along outer margin. Gnathopod II (Fig. 33 C): slightly larger than gnathopod I, with coxal plate in irregular shape (ratio width: depth 1.0: 0.8). Ovoid gill and of same length as coxal plate width. Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.35. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 3 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.51. Carpus with row of 11 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 4 setae located anterodorsally and 1 row of 6 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite as long as wide, with 4 groups of 3 – 5 setae on ventral margin, one anterodorsal group of 5 setae, one anteroapical group of 7 setae, one group of 6 setae on lateral surface close to ventral margin, and one group of 3 long setae in vicinity of palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 30 % of total dactylopodite length and 2 setae along outer margin. Pereopods Pereopod III (Fig. 34 A): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, with width nearly equal to depth. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.43. Dactylus, with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus, 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip, and 1 seta at nail base. Pereopod III slightly longer than pereopod IV (pereopod III: pereopod IV length ratio 1.0: 0.96). Pereopod IV (Fig. 34 B): coxal plate in shape of rectangular, width: depth ratio 1.0: 0.87. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.47. Robust dactylus, with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus; 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip and 1 seta at nail base. Pereopod V (Fig. 35 A): shortest leg (2.00 mm) of inspected male paratype. Coxal plate of irregular shape, with deep concavity on ventral side, 1 anterior and 4 posterior setae. Basis rectangular, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.62, 4 setae on anterior margin, 7 setae on posterior margin, 2 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip, 2 setae of different lengths at nail base, which represents ⅓ of total dactylus length. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.37. Pereopod VI (Fig. 35 B): coxal plate relatively similar to that of pereopod V, with 1 posterior seta. Basis rectangular, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.58, 5 setae on anterior margin, 10 setae on posterior margin, 4 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 2 setae of different lengths near nail base. Nail 22 % of total dactylus length. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.39. Pereopod VII (Fig. 35 C): longest leg (2.93 mm) of inspected paratype male. Coxal plate trapezoidal, with 1 seta on posterior margin. Basis rectangular, ratio length: width 1.0: 0.6, 4 setae on anterior margin, 9 setae on posterior margin and 3 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 2 setae near nail base. Nail length 29 % of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite: dactylus length 1.0: 0.27. Pereopods V: VI: VII ratio 1.0: 1.40: 1.47. Pleopods Pleopods I, II and III similar in shape (pleopod III, with 3 hooks on retinaculum, depicted in Fig. 36 A), with unequal rami. Pleopods II and III with 2 hooks on retinaculum. Epimeral plates (Fig. 36 B) Epimeral plate I with right postero-ventral angle, straight ventral margin, convex posterior margin with 4 setae. Epimeral plate II with right postero-ventral angle, convex ventral margin with 1 spine, convex posterior margin with 5 spines. Epimeral plate III with right posteroventral angle, convex ventral margin with 2 spines, convex posterior margin with 4 spines. Uropods Uropod I (Fig. 37 A): with two dorsolateral rows of 2 – 4 spines on peduncle. Exopodite slightly longer than endopodite, exopodite: endopodite length ratio 1.0: 0.91. 1 strong spine at base of uropod I. Uropod II (Fig. 37 B): with 3 dorsal and 3 apical spines on peduncle. Endopodite longer than exopodite, endopodite: exopodite length ratio 1.0: 0.89, both rami provided with 2 dorsal and 5 apical spines of different lengths. Uropod III (Fig. 37 C): sexually differentiated, longer in males. Peduncle with 3 small apical setae. Short endopodite, 47 % of length of peduncle, with 2 apical setae. Proximal segment of exopodite longer than distal segment (ratio 1.0: 0.85). Anterior margin of proximal segment of exopodite with 3 groups of 2 – 3 setae; posterior margin of exopodite with 4 groups of 1 – 2 setae; 2 antero- and 2 postero-apical setae. Distal segment of exopodite with 2 setae on anterior margin, 1 seta on posterior margin, 2 subapical and 5 apical setae of different lengths. Telson Telson (Fig. 37 E): wide (width: length ratio 1.0: 0.9), with 5 long apical spines alongside small seta with plumose tip. Two thin setae with plumose tip on outer margin of 1 lobe. Longest spine 43 % of telson length. Sexual dimorphism The examined male and female are highly similar. Besides the usual sexual dimorphism (e. g., slightly smaller gnathopods, presence of oostegites, and slightly deeper coxal plates I – VI in females), in N. wasgauensis sp. nov., the female uropod III is shorter than that of male (Fig. 37 D). The telson of the inspected female paratype (Fig. 37 F) is smaller, with 6 spines on one lobe, and 2 fine setae with plumose tip on the outer margin of both lobes.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFA1FFF10F2C4EBB1BBDFE73.taxon	biology_ecology	Type locality, ecology and distribution The species shows a very narrow distribution limited to the Wasgau region, i. e., Franco-German uplands covering parts of the Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) and the Departments of Bas-Rhin and Moselle (both France) (Fig. 38). The type locality is the Sülzlochquelle 2 in the community of Godramstein (Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) at 49.2152 ° N, 8.0842 ° E (Supp. file 3.7). It is a natural rheocrene spring with a permanent moderate flow, 21 ° GH hardness and 380 ppm TDS. No other species of either Niphargus or gammarids (Amphipoda; Gammaridae) were found in this spring. Across its known distribution range, it was found in five springs, two abandoned mines and in one gallery of the Siegfried Line. The species seems to be absent in the interstitial environment. Previous published records from the Stollen am Sachsenstein (Germany), which referred to N. aquilex aquilex (Weber 1988, 1989), also belong to this species.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFBAFFFF0F274A4F1E18FD34.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: C 7 E 58 FC 7 - 564 C- 410 B-ADBE-EE 2 AC 9 BA 06 AD Figs 39 – 47	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFBAFFFF0F274A4F1E18FD34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Medium-sized Niphargus species, poorly setose. Right postero-ventral angle of epimeral plates. Six spines of maxilla I outer lobe with 1 – 2 teeth each; one spine with several smaller teeth. Mandibular palp with small number (1 – 2) of B setae. Gnathopods with 1 seta along outer margin of dactylopodite. Pereiopod VII, the longest leg, almost half of total body length. Pleopods retinaculum with 2 hooks. Uropod I, longer exopodite. Uropod II, longer endopodite. Uropod III sexually dimorphic, exopodite elongated in males. Telson with 4 apical spines on each lobe. The COI marker shows two single pure diagnostic sites at positions 94 (A) and 357 (A). Four 28 S rDNA alleles are diagnostic (with 7 heterozygous specimens) as well as 23 COI barcodes.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFBAFFFF0F274A4F1E18FD34.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species name derives from the German Federal State of Saarland, in which the type locality is located. In Weber et al. (2023), this species was treated as N. aquilex G.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFBAFFFF0F274A4F1E18FD34.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype GERMANY • ♂; Saarland, Zilla’s Keller in Nunkirchen; 49.4826 ° N, 6.8317 ° E; 30 Dec. 2017; Dieter Weber leg.; kept intact in 96 % ethanol; 171230 - 02; MNHNL 130580. Paratypes GERMANY • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 30 Dec. 2017; dissected and appendages drawn; 171230 - 01; ISER microscope slide DW 171230 - 01 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; dissected and appendages drawn; 171230 - 05; ISER microscope slide DW 171230 - 05 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 12 Mar. 2018; ISER DW 180312 - 01 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 12 Mar. 2018; ISER DW 180312 - 06 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 12 Mar. 2018; ISER DW 180312 - 03 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 30 Dec. 2017; ISER DW 171230 - 07 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 12 Mar. 2018; 180312 - 02; MNHNL 130581 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 12 Mar. 2018; 180312 - 04; MNHNL 130582 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 30 Dec. 2017; 171230 - 04; MNHNL 130583 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 30 Dec. 2017; 171230 - 06; MNHNL 130584. Molecular data COI and 28 S rDNA sequences of specimens belonging to Niphargus saraviensis sp. nov. were deposited in GenBank. COI and 28 S rRNA accession numbers are present in Supp. file 6 and Supp. file 9, respectively.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFBAFFFF0F274A4F1E18FD34.taxon	description	Description (male paratype ISER DW 171230 - 01) The total body length is 7.91 mm (Fig. 39). Head Head (Fig. 39) 6.95 % of total body length. Eyes and rostrum absent. Antennae Antenna I (Fig. 40 A): with main flagellum formed of 18 articles, representing 50 % of total body length. Peduncle length ⅓ of total length of antenna I. The accessory flagellum (Fig. 40 B) biarticulated; proximal article almost twice as long as first article of main flagellum; distal article ¼ of total length of accessory flagellum, with 2 apical setae of different lengths and one aesthetasc. Aesthetascs slightly more than half of respective flagellum articles (Fig. 40 C). Antenna II (Fig. 40 D): flagellum formed of 6 articles and representing 40 % of total length of antenna II. Most flagellum articles bear one short aesthetasc. Mouthparts Labrum (Fig. 41 A): typical, subovoid shape. Labium (Fig. 41 B). Relatively small inner lobes with 1 row of fine setae located subapically on inner sides. Outer lobes each with 1 row of fine setae on outer sides, 1 row of fine setae subapically on inner sides and 1 row of fine apical setae. Maxilla I (Fig. 41 C): with 4 apical setae on the distal article of palp. Six spines of outer lobe with 1 – 2 teeth each and one spine with several smaller teeth. Inner lobe with 1 apical seta. Maxilla II (Fig. 41 D): with inner lobe slightly shorter than outer lobe. 1 apical row of setae each lobe. Inner lobe with 2 subapical setae on inner margin. Outer lobe with 3 smaller setae on outer margin. Left mandible (Fig. 41 E): 5 teeth on incisor process. 3 teeth on lacinia mobilis. 6 serrated setae between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Right mandible (Fig. 41 F): 5 teeth on incisor process. 5 small teeth on lacinia mobilis. 4 serrated setae alternated with 4 trifid setae between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Long seta on molar process. Mandibular palps (Fig. 41 E – F): highly similar and of same length. 3 articles account for 21 % (article 1), 37 % (article 2) and 42 % (article 3) of total length of palp. Proximal article with 1 apical seta. Median article with 7 ventral setae. Distal article of palp with one group of 3 A setae, two groups with 1 B seta each, 23 – 24 D setae and 6 – 7 E setae. Maxilliped (Fig. 42 A): with palp formed of 4 articles. Article 1 asetose. Article 2 with 14 setae aligned along inner margin. Article 3 with 5 apical setae, one group of 4 dorsal setae and one group of 5 setae on inner margin. Article 4 with 1 seta located on outer margin and 2 setae at nail insertion. Outer lobe with 3 apical setae and 9 setae on inner margin, of which 7 flattened. Inner lobe provided apically with 1 flattened seta and 5 setae. Gnathopods Gnathopod I (Fig. 42 B): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, with depth larger than width (ratio depth: width 1.0: 0.62). Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.40. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 3 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.56. Carpus with row of 6 setae along ventral margin, group of 5 setae located anterodorsally and two groups of 2 – 6 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite nearly as long as wide, 4 groups of 1 – 4 setae on ventral margin, one group of 3 setae on dorsal margin, one group of 5 anterodorsal setae, one group of 6 anteroapical setae, 1 mesial seta on lateral surface, 1 seta on lateral surface close to ventral margin and one group of 2 setae close to palmar corner. One strong palmar spine, one supporting spine and two denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 33 % of total dactylopodite length and 1 seta along outer margin. Gnathopod II (Fig. 42 C): slightly larger than gnathopod I, with coxal plate in shape of trapezoid; coxal plate slightly wider than long (ratio width: depth 1.0: 0.80). Basis length: width ratio is 1.0: 0.29. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 4 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.56. Carpus with row of 8 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 5 setae located anterodorsally and one group of 5 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite almost as long as wide, 5 groups of 2 – 3 setae on ventral margin, 1 seta on dorsal margin, 1 seta on lateral surface close to ventral margin and 5 anteroapical setae of different lengths. 1 mesial seta on the lateral surface, 3 setae close to palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 40 % of total dactylopodite length and 1 seta along outer margin. Pereopods Pereopod III (Fig. 43 A): coxal plate in shape of trapezoid, ratio width-depth 1.0: 0.73. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.4. Dactylus with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus, 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip. Pereopod III equal slightly longer than pereopod IV (pereopod III: pereopod IV length ratio 1.0: 0.95). Pereopod IV (Fig. 43 B): relatively rectangular coxal plate, width: depth ratio 1.0: 0.75. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.41. Robust dactylus, with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus; 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip. Pereopod V (Fig. 44 A): coxal plate of irregular shape, with deep concavity on ventral side, 2 anterior setae and 1 posterior seta. Basis rectangular, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.64, 6 setae on posterior margin, 3 setae on anterior margin, 2 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with dorsal seta with plumose tip, 2 setae at nail base, which represents 44 % of total dactylus length. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.31. Pereopod VI (Fig. 44 B): coxal plate smaller than that of pereopod V, but similar in shape and 1 posterior seta. Basis rectangular, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.55, 6 setae on posterior margin, 3 setae on anterior margin and 2 anteroapical setae. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 1 spine near nail base. Nail length ⅓ of te total dactylus length. Ratio propodite length: dactylus length 1.0: 0.33. Pereopod VII (Fig. 44 C): longest leg (3.57 mm) of inspected paratype male. Coxal plate trapezoidal, with 1 posterior seta. Basis ovoid-trapezoidal, ratio length: width 1.0: 0.6, 7 setae on posterior margin and 2 setae on anterior margin. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 2 small setae near nail base. Nail length ⅓ of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite length: dactylus length 1.0: 0.33. Pereopods V: VI: VII ratio 1.0: 1.38: 1.57. Pleopods Pleopods. Similar (pleopod I depicted in Fig. 45 A), with equal rami and 2 hooks on retinaculum. Epimeral plates (Fig. 45 B) Epimeral plate I with right postero-ventral angle, straight ventral margin, relatively straight posterior margin with 2 postero-ventral setae. Epimeral plate II with right postero-ventral angle, relatively straight ventral margin with 1 antero-ventral spine, straight posterior margin with 4 setae. Epimeral plate III with right postero-ventral angle, relative convex ventral margin with 1 antero-ventral spine, straight posterior margin with 4 spines. Uropods Uropod I (Fig. 46 A): with one dorso-lateral rows of 6 spines on peduncle. Exopodite slightly longer than endopodite (ratio 1.0: 0.93). One strong spine at the base of the uropod I. Uropod II (Fig. 46 B): with 2 dorsal spine and 3 apical spines. Endopodite longer than exopodite, endopodite length: exopodite length ratio 1.0: 0.83, both rami with 4 – 5 apical spines. Uropod III (Fig. 46 C): sexually differentiated, longer in males. Peduncle with 2 apical setae. Short endopodite about half length of peduncle, with 2 apical setae. Proximal segment of exopodite longer than distal segment (ratio 1.0: 0.84). Anterior margin of proximal segment of exopodite with 2 groups of 2 setae; posterior margin of exopodite with one group of 2 setae; two groups of 3 apical setae. Distal segment of exopodite with one group of 2 setae on anterior margin, 2 groups of 1 – 2 setae on posterior margin and 4 apical setae of different lengths. Telson Telson (Fig. 46 E): as wide as long, with 4 apical spines of different lengths on each lobe. Longest spine slightly longer than half of telson length. 2 thin setae of different lengths and plumose tip on 1 lobe, while other lobe provided with 1 such seta only. Sexual dimorphism The examined male and female are highly similar. Besides the usual sexual dimorphism (e. g., slightly smaller gnathopods, presence of oostegites, and slightly deeper coxal plates I – VI in females), in N. saraviensis sp. nov., the female uropod III (Fig. 46 D) is shorter comparted to that of the male. The telson of the inspected female paratype (Fig. 46 F) is with only 3 apical spines on 1 lobe and without the median plumose setae.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFBAFFFF0F274A4F1E18FD34.taxon	biology_ecology	Type locality, ecology and distribution The species distribution range is very large, with records originating from Central to Southern Germany, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic and Southern France (Fig. 47). The high frequency of records in Western and Southwestern Germany can most likely be attributed to a high sampling effort in those two regions. The type locality is Zilla’s Keller in Nunkirchen (Saarland, Germany) at 49.4826 ° N, 6.8317 ° E, which is an old subterranean beer cellar dug in a Early – Middle Triassic sandstone formation (Supp. file 3.8). It is nowadays unused and locked. The cellar was bought by the Naturlandstiftung (Werno & Weber 2008) to keep it protected. Specimens were collected in a small spring (yield <1 l / min) at the end of this artificial cavern where it subsists on wood that it regularly renewed (Supp. file 3.9). In a water basin (capacity 100 l) 5 m from this spring, N. saraviensis sp. nov. was not detected. We confirm the permanent presence of this species at the type locality as it was found on 5 January 2013, 10 January 2015, 5 November 2017, 30 December 2017, and 9 October 2018. Niphargus saraviensis seems to be a subterranean-ubiquist (Supp. file 4.5). Previously published records from the Schillerhöhle (Germany), which referred to N. aquilex aquilex (Dobat 1968), also belong to this species.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFB4FF840CDF4A4F1EE1FCF7.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 68 DF 3742 - B 5 CA- 4 A 8 A- 8 B 60 - 2410 AD 24708 D Figs 48 – 56	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFB4FF840CDF4A4F1EE1FCF7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Medium-sized Niphargus species, poorly setose. Right postero-ventral angle of epimeral plates. Six spines of maxilla I outer lobe with 1 tooth each; 1 spine with several smaller teeth. Mandibular palp with small number (1 – 2) of B setae. Gnathopods with 3 setae along outer margin of dactylopodite. Pereiopod VII, the longest leg, almost three quarters of total body length. Pleopods retinaculum with 3 – 4 hooks. Uropod I, longer exopodite. Uropod II, longer endopodite. Uropod III sexually dimorphic, exopodite elongated in males. Telson with 5 apical spines on each lobe. No pure diagnostic sites present in COI marker. A single 28 S rDNA allele is diagnostic as well as 19 COI barcodes.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFB4FF840CDF4A4F1EE1FCF7.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species name derives from the Latin name of Lorraine (Lotharingia), where the type locality is situated. In Weber et al. (2023), this species was treated as N. schellenbergi R, R *.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFB4FF840CDF4A4F1EE1FCF7.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype FRANCE • ♂; Tunnel du Col des Croix (connecting Vosges and Haute-Saône); 47.8632 ° N, 6.7464 ° E; 16 Apr. 2018; Dieter Weber leg.; kept intact in 96 % ethanol; 180416 - 17; MNHNL 130585. Paratypes FRANCE • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 3 Jul. 2016; dissected and appendages drawn; 160703 - 02; ISER microscope slide DW 160703 - 02 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for preceding; dissected and appendages drawn; 160703 - 01; ISER microscope slide DW 160703 - 01 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 3 Jul. 2016; ISER DW 160703 - 11 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 3 Jul. 2016; ISER DW 160703 - 07 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 3 Jul. 2016; ISER DW 160703 - 03 • 1 ♂; same collection data as for holotype; 3 Jul. 2016; 160703 - 09; MNHNL 130586 • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; 3 Jul. 2016; 160703 - 01; MNHNL 130587. Molecular data COI and 28 S rDNA sequences of specimens belonging to Niphargus lotharingiensis sp. nov. were deposited in GenBank. COI and 28 S rRNA accession numbers are present in Supp. file 6 and Supp. file 9, respectively.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFB4FF840CDF4A4F1EE1FCF7.taxon	description	Description (male DW 160703 - 02) Measurements Total body length is 7.80 mm (Fig. 48). Head Head (Fig. 48) 7.5 % of total body length. Eyes and rostrum absent. Antennae Antenna I (Fig. 49 A): with main flagellum formed of 16 articles, representing 60 % of total body length. Peduncle length in 43 % of total length of antenna I. Accessory flagellum (Fig. 49 B) biarticulated; proximal article slightly longer than first article of main flagellum; distal article 15 % of total length of accessory flagellum, with 2 apical setae of different lengths and one aesthetasc. Aesthetascs ¼ of respective main flagellum articles (Fig. 49 C). Antenna II (Fig. 49 D): flagellum formed of 10 articles and representing 60 % of total length of antenna II. Most flagellum articles bear one aesthetasc, half the length of respective flagellum articles. Mouthparts Labrum (Fig. 50 A): typical, subovoid shape, with 2 rows of fine setae located, 1 apical and 1 subapical. Labium (Fig. 50 B). Large inner lobes with 1 row of fine setae on inner sides. Outer lobes with 1 row of fine setae subapically on inner sides. Maxilla I (Fig. 50 C): with 4 apical setae on distal article of palp. 6 spines of outer lobe with 1 tooth each and 1 spine with several small teeth. Inner lobe with 1 apical seta and several smaller, subapical setae. Maxilla II (Fig. 50 D): with inner lobe slightly shorter than outer lobe. 1 apical row of setae and 1 subapical seta on outer lobe. Row of small setae on outer margin of outer lobe. Left mandible (Fig. 50 E): 4 teeth on incisor process. 3 teeth on lacinia mobilis. 14 serrated setae, and 6 setae, between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Right mandible (Fig. 50 F): 4 teeth on incisor process. 6 teeth on lacinia mobilis. 9 serrated setae between lacinia mobilis and molar process. Long seta on molar process. Mandibular palps (Fig. 50 E – F): highly similar and of same length. 3 articles account for 21 % (article 1), 38 % (article 2) and 41 % (article 3) of total length of palp. Proximal article without setae, median article with 9 – 11 ventral setae. Distal article of palp with one group of 4 A setae, 4 groups with 1 – 2 B setae, 17 – 22 D setae and 7 E setae. Maxilliped (Fig. 51 A): with palp formed of 4 articles. Article 1 asetose. Article 2 with 31 setae aligned along inner margin. Article 3 with 6 apical setae, one group of 6 dorsal setae and one group of 9 setae on inner margin. Article 4 with 1 seta located on outer margin and 2 setae at nail insertion. Outer lobe with 4 apical setae and 15 flattened setae on inner margin. Inner lobe provided apically with 3 setae, 1 flattened seta and 2 plumose setae. Gnathopods Gnathopod I (Fig. 51 B): coxal plate in shape of rectangular, with depth larger than width (ratio depth: width 1.0: 0.8). Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.41. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 5 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.56. Carpus with row of 14 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 7 setae located anterodorsally and one group of 5 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite nearly as long as wide, seven groups of 2 – 5 setae on ventral margin, one group of 6 setae on dorsal margin, one group of 3 setae on propodite surface close to dorsal margin, one group of 5 anteroapical setae, 3 mesial setae on lateral surface, 2 setae on lateral surface close to ventral margin and one group of 4 setae close to palmar corner. One strong palmar spine, one supporting spine and two denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 26 % of total dactylopodite length and 3 setae along outer margin. Gnathopod II (Fig. 51 C): slightly larger than gnathopod I, with coxal plate in th shape of rectangular trapezoid; coxal plate width equal to its depth (ratio width: depth 1.0: 1.0). Ovoid gill and of same length as basis. Basis length: width ratio 1.0: 0.27. Ischiopodite with one posteroventral group of 3 setae. Basis: carpus length ratio 1.0: 0.54. Carpus with row of 12 setae of various lengths along ventral margin, group of 4 setae located anterodorsally and 1 row of 10 setae on carpus surface close to ventral margin. Propodite as long as wide, with 8 groups of 1 – 5 setae on ventral margin, 5 setae on dorsal margin, 3 mesial setae on lateral surface, 1 seta on lateral surface close to dorsal margin, 6 anteroapical setae and 4 setae close to palmar corner. 1 strong palmar spine, 1 supporting spine and 2 denticulate spines present in palmar corner. Dactylopodite with claw 33 % of total dactylopodite length and 3 setae along outer margin. Pereopods Pereopod III (Fig. 52 A): coxal plate in shape of rectangular trapezoid, as deep as wide. Propodite: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.44. Dactylus, with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus, 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip, and 1 seta at nail base. Pereopod III slightly longer than pereopod IV (pereopod III: pereopod IV length ratio 1.0: 0.92). Pereopod IV (Fig. 52 B): relatively rectangular coxal plate, with concavity on posterior margin, width: depth ratio 1.0: 0.94. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.4. Robust dactylus, with nail measuring half of total length of dactylus; 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip and 2 setae of different lengths at nail base. Pereopod V (Fig. 53 A): coxal plate of irregular shape, with deep concavity on ventral side, 6 anterior setae and 2 posterior setae. Basis ovoid-rectangular shaped, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.62, 5 groups of 1 – 2 setae on anterior margin, 12 setae on posterior margin, 4 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 dorsal seta with plumose tip, 2 setae of different lengths at nail base, which represents 40 % of total dactylus length. Propodite length: dactylus length ratio 1.0: 0.28. Pereopod VI (Fig. 53 B): coxal plate smaller than that of pereopod V, but highly similar in shape and 2 posterior setae. Basis ovoid-rectangular shaped, length: width ratio 1.0: 0.51, 6 groups of 1 – 2 setae on anterior margin, 12 setae on posterior margin, 5 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 2 setae of different lengths near nail base. Nail 35 % of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite: dactylus length 1.0: 0.34. Pereopod VII (Fig. 53 C): longest leg (5.65 mm) of inspected paratype male. Coxal plate trapezoidal, with 1 seta on posterior margin. Basis ovoid-rectangular, ratio length: width 1.0: 0.5, 5 groups of 1 – 2 setae on anterior margin, 14 setae on posterior margin and 4 anteroapical setae of different lengths. Dactylus with 1 plumose seta on outer margin and 2 setae of different lengths near nail base. Nail length 40 % of total dactylus length. Ratio propodite: dactylus length 1.0: 0.3. Pereopods V: VI: VII ratio 1.0: 1.22: 1.52. Pleopods Pleopods: similar (pleopod I depicted in Fig. 54 A), with unequal rami, 3 (pleopods I and II) and 4 (pleopods III) hooks on retinaculum. Epimeral plates (Fig. 54 B) Epimeral plate I with right postero-ventral angle, relatively straight ventral margin, convex posterior margin with 2 setae. Epimeral plate II with right postero-ventral angle, convex ventral margin with 1 antero-ventral spine, convex posterior margin with 8 setae. Epimeral plate III with right posteroventral angle, relative straight ventral margin with 2 antero-ventral spines, straight posterior margin with 9 setae. Uropods Uropod I (Fig. 55 A): with two dorso-lateral rows of 4 – 5 spines on peduncle. Exopodite slightly longer than endopodite, ratio exopodite: endopodite lengths 1.0: 0.95. 1 strong spine at base of uropod I. Uropod II (Fig. 55 B): with 2 dorsal spine and 3 apical spines on peduncle. Endopodite slightly longer than exopodite, endopodite: exopodite length ratio 1.0: 0.96, both rami provided with 3 – 4 dorsal and 5 – 6 apical spines. Uropod III (Fig. 55 C): sexually differentiated, longer in males. Peduncle with 3 apical and 3 posterior setae. Short endopodite, 40 % of length of peduncle, with 1 apical seta. Proximal segment of exopodite longer than distal segment (ratio 1.0: 0.7). Anterior margin of proximal segment of exopodite with 6 groups of 2 – 4 setae (including plumose setae); posterior margin of exopodite with 3 groups of 3 – 4 setae; 4 antero- and 4 postero-apical setae. Distal segment of exopodite with 3 groups of 1 – 2 setae on anterior margin, 3 groups of 1 – 2 setae on posterior margin, 4 apical and 4 subapical setae of different lengths. Telson Telson (Fig. 55 E): nearly as wide as long (width: length ratio 0.95), with 2 subapical and 5 apical spines of different lengths on each lobe. Longest spine slightly longer than half of telson length. 2 thin setae of different lengths and plumose tip, 1 seta medially on 1 lobe. Sexual dimorphism The examined male and female are highly similar. Besides the usual sexual dimorphism (e. g., slightly smaller gnathopods, presence of oostegites, and slightly deeper coxal plates I – VI in females), in N. lotharingiensis sp. nov., the female uropod III (Fig. 55 D) is shorter than that of the male, and the telson of the inspected female paratype is provided apically with 4 setae only on each lobe (Fig. 55 F).	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFB4FF840CDF4A4F1EE1FCF7.taxon	distribution	Type locality, ecology and distribution The species is widely distributed in eastern France (Fig. 56), with a slight geographical overlap with its sister species N. schellenbergi sensu stricto in the northeastern margin of its distribution range (Fig. 2). It comprises two distinct genetic clades, of which one is very rare and currently only known from two sites in the eastern part of the species’ range. The type locality is the Tunnel du Col des Croix (connecting Vosges and Haute-Saône, France) at 47.8632 ° N, 6.7464 ° E, in the very east of the species known distribution (Supp. file 3.10). It is a 1087 m long abandoned railway tunnel with a 1 m rail gage once connecting Lure (Haute-Saône, France) with Le Thillot (Vosges, France). After its closure in 1962, it was used for the supply of potable water and was therefore locked.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
038D87B5FFB4FF840CDF4A4F1EE1FCF7.taxon	biology_ecology	Niphargus lotharingiensis sp. nov. can be found in a variety of subterranean biotopes (Supp. file 4.6). However, the inferred absence in the interstitial environment is most likely due to the fact that the species does not occur in the area where the interstitial environment was intensively sampled.	en	Weber, Dieter, Brad, Traian, Weigand, Alexander M. (2025): Water diviners described: six new species of the Niphargus aquilex complex (Crustacea, Amphipoda). European Journal of Taxonomy 1011: 1-79, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.1011.3023, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3023/13575
