The modern distribution of two Eucyclops (Eucyclops) Claus, 1893 species (Cyclopoida: Copepoda) as a reflection of the Tethys Sea evolution

The distribution of two species Eucyclops (Eucyclops) serrulatus (Fischer, 1851) s. lat. and Eucyclops (Eucyclops) agiloides (Sars G.O., 1909) s. lat. in the water bodies of the Old World is analysed in connection with the theory of continental drift. A hypothesis about the distribution of these morphologically related species and the role of the Tethys Sea in this distribution is presented. In the modern continental fauna of Eurasia, the northern records of E. agiloides s. lat. according to this hypothesis can be attributed to the remains of the fauna of the Paratethys. A similar distribution in South Asia is also shown by local populations of representatives of the genera Mesocyclops, Afrocyclops and Ochridocyclops, which supports the proposed hypothesis of a recent water connection across the continent in the form of Paratethys reservoirs in East Asia. Subspecies Eucyclops agiloides sarsi subsp.n. is described. The identification key for E. agiloides subspecies is provided.