A checklist of subterranean water crustaceans from Chile (South America)

Abstract Groundwaters are globally characterized by the presence of a high diversity of crustacean species. The current knowledge about these environments in South America is limited. The objective of this study is to compile a checklist of crustacean species reported from Chilean groundwaters. We found sixty publications about the groundwater fauna in Chile. A total of 46 species belonging to the families Canthocamptidae, Bogidiellidae, Falklandellidae, Phreatogammaridae, Paraleptamphopidae, Ingolfiellidae, Stygocarididae, Bathynellidae, Parabathynellidae, and Parastacidae occur between 24° S and 50° S. The present study indicates that it is necessary to conduct more research towards a comprehensive knowledge about the groundwater crustaceans of Chile.