The species problem in Artemia Leach, 1819 (Crustacea: Anostraca), a genus with sexual species and obligate parthenogenetic lineages.

This article focuses on the taxonomic and evolutionary challenges posed by parthenogenetic (asexually reproducing) lineages within the genus Artemia Leach, 1819, a group of salt-tolerant crustaceans inhabiting hypersaline environments. It argues that the commonly used binomial name *Artemia parthenogenetica* is invalid because parthenogenetic Artemia do not conform to traditional species concepts, such as the Biological Species Concept, due to their obligate asexual reproduction, varying ploidy levels, and independent genetic lineages distinct from sexual species like *Artemia urmiana* and *Artemia sinica*. The authors recommend replacing terms like "parthenogenetic populations" with "parthenogenetic lineages" to better reflect their genetic independence and to avoid taxonomic confusion. This clarification has implications for understanding Artemia biodiversity, biogeography, and conservation.