Sphaeroma taborans sp. nov., a new species of wood-boring isopod (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidae) from Munroe Island, Ashtamudi Estuary, Kerala, India

Sphaeroma taborans sp. nov. is described from Munroe Island, part of Ashtamudi Estuary, Kerala, India. This wood-boring species can be distinguished from all other congeners by its dorsal surface with three longitudinal bands between eyes, a prominent blackish tubercle on the anterior band, and scattered weak tubercles. Epistome subtriangular and nontruncated. Pleon and pleotelson bearing appressed hair layers. Pleotelsonic dorsal surface with six stout tubercles in a transverse row near the anterior followed by three pairs of median prominent blunt tubercles. Apex curved triangle, slightly curved upwards. Uropodal exopod with 4–5 external teeth and an acute apex thorn-like setae along lateral margins with acute apex extending beyond pleotelsonic apex.