Key to species of Hephthopelta

1. Posterior margin of epistome truncate (Fig. 24 A). Ischium, merus of third maxilliped proportionately short, more quadrate (Fig. 31 A, B). Ambulatory meri relatively short (Fig. 10 A, D–H). G1 with distal half relatively longer, slender, gently directed upwards (Fig. 71 A–D, F–L) [Andaman Sea; Western Australia; Papua New Guinea; New Caledonia; Solomon Islands; Fiji]............................................................................................. H. lugubris

- Posterior margin of epistome broadly triangular (Fig. 24 B). Ischium, merus of third maxilliped proportionately long (Fig. 31 C). Ambulatory meri relatively longer (Fig. 10 I). G1 with distal half relatively shorter, stouter, directed obliquely laterally (Fig. 72 A–C) [Madagascar]............................................................ H. occidentalis n. sp.