Unexpected diversity in North Atlantic deep waters hidden under Scrupocellaria marsupiata (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida)

We here revise specimens previously reported as Scrupocellaria marsupiata, collected in various deep-sea locations in the North Atlantic, which turn out to correspond to at least seven different species, three of them new to science. Two additional new species are introduced based on hitherto unpublished material. For this group of species, a new genus, Scutoplites n. gen., is described, characterized by, among other features, a well-developed scutum that covers the frontal membrane like a well-fitting lid.

The new genus includes the following species: Scutoplites marsupiatus n. comb. (as the type species), Scutoplites clausus n. comb., Scutoplites saojorgensis n. comb., Scutoplites reverteri n. comb., Scutoplites hamartia sp. nov., Scutoplites virgulus sp. nov., Scutoplites azorensis sp. nov., Scutoplites burocraticus sp. nov. and Scutoplites batmani sp. nov. Most species of the genus are present in the Azores or in nearby waters.

Notoplites americanus should now be considered a junior synonym for Notoplites clausus (Canu & Bassler, 1920).