Electra scuticifera sp. nov.: Redescription of Electra pilosa from New Zealand as a new species (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata)

A new species of the genus Electra is described from the Indo-West Pacific. Electra scuticifera sp. nov., a common bryozoan on coasts of New Zealand, was until now regarded as conspecific to the Atlantic species Electra pilosa . Morphologic and morphometric comparisons between E. pilosa the New Zealand bryozoan revealed differences in morphology of colonies and zooids, sizes of zooids and thickness of spines. Phylogenetic relationships, evolution, geography, and ecology of the new species are briefly discussed.