First record of the genus Retevirgula in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of R. akdenizae sp. n. (Bryozoa, Cheilostomida)

Abstract A new species of Retevirgula, Retevirgula akdenizae sp. n., was collected during the “Akdeniz ‘92” campaign at Datcha (Turkey) from a Posidonia meadow. It is characterized by autozooids with 13–16 spines, avicularia with one or two proximal spines and lacking a complete cross‐bar, kenozooids with some spines, ovicells with a longitudinal distal slit. The genus Retevirgula, hitherto never collected from the Mediterranean Sea, is represented by 13 species and one variety, and shows a distribution from warm temperate to tropical areas. Phylogenetic relationship of R. akdenizae sp. n. with other Retevirgula species are at present obscure.