The laophontid genus Loureirophonte Jakobi, 1953 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) *

So far, only three species are known in the laophontid genus Loureirophonte Jakobi. In the present contribution five new species are described, and two species formerly attributed to other laophontid genera (Paraiaophonte subterranea Lang and Laophonte cesareae Por), are allocated to Loureirophonte. A redescription of L. cesareae, based on type-material, is included. Relying on the increased understanding of loureirophontid morphology, the diagnoses of L. catharinensis, type-species of the genus, and L. paranaensis are amended. Finally, three species-groups are defined within the genus: the catharinensisgroup, the cesareae-group and the subterranea-group.