Family ANASPIDIDAE Thomson, 1893
Introduction
The Anaspididae are possibly one of the best studied groups of small crustaceans because of the interest generated when first discovered. Anaspides tasmaniae Thomson, 1893 was recognised as very similar to some fossil taxa and its anatomy, physiology and ecology are now well documented. All anaspidids are freshwater and freeliving animals, up to 5 mm long, from streams, lakes and the burrows of parastacid crayfish. All three genera are confined to Tasmania.
Diagnosis
Rostrum broad. Thoracomeres relatively short compared to pleonites; pleonite 6 without row of long spines along posterior margin. Eyes pedunculate. Antenna 2 with scaphocerite. Mandible with palp. Thoracopod 1 8-articled, forming a maxilliped, with tubular exopod, with epipod. Thoracopods 1–7 with exopod; thoracopod 8 without exopod. Pleopods with reduced endopod, with multiarticulate exopod. Uropods with 1-articled rami. Telson subtriangular, with acute point, and forming tailfan with uropods.
References
Thomson, G.M. 1893. Notes on Tasmanian Crustacea, with descriptions of new species. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 1892: 45–76