The neotropical genus Dendrocephalus (Crustacea: Anostraca: Thamnocephalidae) in Brazil (South America), with a description of two new species

Two new species in the neotropical genus Dendrocephalus (Anostraca, Thamnocephalidae) are described from Brazil. Dendrocephalus orientalis n. sp., occurs in temporary rainpools in the eastern part of Brazil in the States of Paraiba and Bahia (Nordeste region). Dendrocephalus goiasensis n. sp. inhabits a temporary rainpool in the 'cerrados' in the State of Colas (Centro-Oeste region). The descriptions are based principally on male morphology, with a detailed study of the frontal appendage (basal part of the arms, branch 1V, 2A, and 2D), and of the endopodites of the first four thoracopods. Cyst morphology is also described using scanning electron microscopy. Differential diagnoses of these two species are presented. New records of Dendrocephalus brasiliensis Pesta, provide a better idea of its distribution range in Brazil. A dichotomous key to Brazilian dendrocephalids is included.