Monotheca togata (Watson, 1973)

Watson, Jeanette E., 2011, Review of the genus Monotheca (Hydrozoa: Leptolida) from Australia with description of a new species and a note on Monothecella Stechow, 1923, Memoirs of Museum Victoria 68, pp. 71-91 : 88

Monotheca togata , measurements (µm)

Remarks. The cauline and axillar nematothecae are often absent. The frontal position of the cauline apophysis causes the hydrocladia and hydrothecae to twist forward during microslide mounting, which tends to obscure some structures.

This is first description of the gonotheca of Monotheca togata . The species is closely related to M. hyalina in size of stems and the cowl-shaped hydrotheca with a hemispherical margin. The distinctive adcauline apertural peak of M. togata distinguishes it from M. hyalina .

Monotheca togata (NMNZ BS834), was reported from East Cape and Ranfurly Bank, New Zealand, by Vervoort and Watson (2003). However, the material differs from the Australian species in having i) no axial hydrostatic pore, ii) a much smaller hydrocladial median inferior nematotheca, and iii) shorter cauline and hydrothecate internodes. In contrast to the epiphytic Australian species, the New Zealand material is epizootic on Synthecium suventricosum and Halopteris campanula . These structural and substrate preferences may indicate the New Zealand material is a different species, but until more is known, the material is here doubtfully referred to M. togata .

Type locality. Pearson Island , Great Australian Bight .

Known distribution. Southern Australia to Western Australia,? New Zealand.