DOCSLIB.ORG

Decapoda, Brachyura, Goneplacidae) from the Philippines and Solomon Islands

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Decapoda, Brachyura, Goneplacidae) from the Philippines and Solomon Islands TWO NEW SPECIES OF SINGHAPLAX SERÈNE & SOH, 1976 (DECAPODA, BRACHYURA, GONEPLACIDAE) FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND SOLOMON ISLANDS BY TOHRU NARUSE1,3) and PETER CASTRO2,4) 1) Transdisciplinary Research Organization for Subtropical and Island Studies, University of the Ryukyus, 870 Uehara, Taketomi, Okinawa 907-1541, Japan 2) Biological Sciences Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California 91768-4032, U.S.A. ABSTRACT Two new species of Singhaplax Serène & Soh, 1976, are described based on material from central Philippines and the Solomon Islands. They are superficially similar to congeners as well as species of Microgoneplax Castro, 2007, but can be differentiated from them and each other by their G1 structures. The present study brings the known number of Singhaplax species to 10. A key to the species of Singhaplax is provided. RÉSUMÉ Deux nouvelles espèces de Singhaplax Serène & Soh, 1976, sont décrites à partir de matériel des Philippines centrales et des îles Salomon. Elles sont superficiellement similaires à leurs congénères ainsi qu’aux espèces de Microgoneplax Castro, 2007, mais elles peuvent en être séparées par les structures de leur G1. La présente étude porte le nombre d’espèces de Singhaplax à 10. Une clef des espèces de ce genre est fournie. INTRODUCTION Serène & Soh (1976) established Singhaplax to accommodate Goneplax ockelmanni Serène, 1971 [type species] and G. nipponensis Yokoya, 1933. Castro (2007) redefined Singhaplax and restricted it to G. ockelmanni, with the 3) Corresponding author; e-mail: [email protected] 4) e-mail: [email protected] © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010 Studies on Malacostraca: 535-546 536 CRM 014 – Fransen et al. (eds.), LIPKE BIJDELEY HOLTHUIS MEMORIAL VOLUME addition of Ommatocarcinus orientalis Tesch, 1918, Goneplax wolffi Serène, 1964, Singhaplax dichotoma Castro, 2007, S. platypoda Castro, 2007, S. rhamphe Castro, 2007, and S. styrax Castro, 2007. Subsequently, Takeda & Komatsu (2010) described a new Singhaplax from Japan and Taiwan. Goneplax nipponensis clearly belongs to a different genus, possibly Hadroplax Castro, 2007 (Castro 2007: 722). Singhaplax species are nearly identical to those in Microgoneplax Castro, 2007, in the shape of their carapaces but the male second gonopod of Singhaplax is longer or as long as the male first gonopod whereas that of Microgoneplax is much shorter than the male first gonopod, unlike most goneplacids. Microgoneplax was established for Ommatocarcinus elegans Chen, 1998, and four additional species: M. caenis Castro, 2007 (type species), M. cope Castro, 2007, M. pelecis Castro, 2007, and M. prion Castro, 2007. Recently, two more Microgoneplax species were added (Takeda & Komatsu, 2010; Naruse & Castro, 2010). The present study describes two more species of Singhaplax from the Philippines from the PANGLAO 2004 Expedition (see Bouchet et al., 2009) and Solomon Islands. Specimens examined are deposited in the Muséum national d’Histoire na- turelle, Paris (MNHN); the National Museum of the Philippines, Manila (NMCR); and the Zoological Reference Collection, Raffles Museum of Bio- diversity Research, National University of Singapore (ZRC). Measurements provided are of the carapace length (CL) by the carapace width (CW). The ab- breviations P2-P5, G1 and G2 are used for the second to fifth pereopods, male first and second gonopods, respectively. TAXONOMY Family GONEPLACIDAE MacLeay, 1838 Genus Singhaplax Serène & Soh, 1976 Singhaplax lipkei sp. nov. (figs. 1-3) Material examined. — Holotype, male, 2.7 × 5.6 mm, west of Baclayon, Bohol Island, ◦ ◦ Philippines, PANGLAO 2004, station T6, 34-82 m, 9 35.1 N, 123 51.2 E, 2 June 2004 (NMCR 30097). Paratype, 1 ovigerous female, 3.4 × 6.7 mm, same data as holotype (ZRC 2008.1461). Description. — Carapace (figs. 1, 2a) transversely rectangular, widest be- tween outer orbital angles, CW 1.99-2.07 CL (n = 2), dorsal surface smooth,.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Classification of Living and Fossil Genera of Decapod Crustaceans
    RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 2009 Supplement No. 21: 1–109 Date of Publication: 15 Sep.2009 © National University of Singapore A CLASSIFICATION OF LIVING AND FOSSIL GENERA OF DECAPOD CRUSTACEANS Sammy De Grave1, N. Dean Pentcheff 2, Shane T. Ahyong3, Tin-Yam Chan4, Keith A. Crandall5, Peter C. Dworschak6, Darryl L. Felder7, Rodney M. Feldmann8, Charles H. J. M. Fransen9, Laura Y. D. Goulding1, Rafael Lemaitre10, Martyn E. Y. Low11, Joel W. Martin2, Peter K. L. Ng11, Carrie E. Schweitzer12, S. H. Tan11, Dale Tshudy13, Regina Wetzer2 1Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PW, United Kingdom [email protected] [email protected] 2Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007 United States of America [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 3Marine Biodiversity and Biosecurity, NIWA, Private Bag 14901, Kilbirnie Wellington, New Zealand [email protected] 4Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan, Republic of China [email protected] 5Department of Biology and Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602 United States of America [email protected] 6Dritte Zoologische Abteilung, Naturhistorisches Museum, Wien, Austria [email protected] 7Department of Biology, University of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA 70504 United States of America [email protected] 8Department of Geology, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242 United States of America [email protected] 9Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum, P. O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands [email protected] 10Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, 10th and Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20560 United States of America [email protected] 11Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 12Department of Geology, Kent State University Stark Campus, 6000 Frank Ave.
    [Show full text]
  • Part I. an Annotated Checklist of Extant Brachyuran Crabs of the World
    THE RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 2008 17: 1–286 Date of Publication: 31 Jan.2008 © National University of Singapore SYSTEMA BRACHYURORUM: PART I. AN ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF EXTANT BRACHYURAN CRABS OF THE WORLD Peter K. L. Ng Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 119260, Republic of Singapore Email: [email protected] Danièle Guinot Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Département Milieux et peuplements aquatiques, 61 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France Email: [email protected] Peter J. F. Davie Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT. – An annotated checklist of the extant brachyuran crabs of the world is presented for the first time. Over 10,500 names are treated including 6,793 valid species and subspecies (with 1,907 primary synonyms), 1,271 genera and subgenera (with 393 primary synonyms), 93 families and 38 superfamilies. Nomenclatural and taxonomic problems are reviewed in detail, and many resolved. Detailed notes and references are provided where necessary. The constitution of a large number of families and superfamilies is discussed in detail, with the positions of some taxa rearranged in an attempt to form a stable base for future taxonomic studies. This is the first time the nomenclature of any large group of decapod crustaceans has been examined in such detail. KEY WORDS. – Annotated checklist, crabs of the world, Brachyura, systematics, nomenclature. CONTENTS Preamble .................................................................................. 3 Family Cymonomidae .......................................... 32 Caveats and acknowledgements ............................................... 5 Family Phyllotymolinidae .................................... 32 Introduction .............................................................................. 6 Superfamily DROMIOIDEA ..................................... 33 The higher classification of the Brachyura ........................
    [Show full text]
  • The Mediterranean Decapod and Stomatopod Crustacea in A
    ANNALES DU MUSEUM D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE DE NICE Tome V, 1977, pp. 37-88. THE MEDITERRANEAN DECAPOD AND STOMATOPOD CRUSTACEA IN A. RISSO'S PUBLISHED WORKS AND MANUSCRIPTS by L. B. HOLTHUIS Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Leiden, Netherlands CONTENTS Risso's 1841 and 1844 guides, which contain a simple unannotated list of Crustacea found near Nice. 1. Introduction 37 Most of Risso's descriptions are quite satisfactory 2. The importance and quality of Risso's carcino- and several species were figured by him. This caused logical work 38 that most of his names were immediately accepted by 3. List of Decapod and Stomatopod species in Risso's his contemporaries and a great number of them is dealt publications and manuscripts 40 with in handbooks like H. Milne Edwards (1834-1840) Penaeidea 40 "Histoire naturelle des Crustaces", and Heller's (1863) Stenopodidea 46 "Die Crustaceen des siidlichen Europa". This made that Caridea 46 Risso's names at present are widely accepted, and that Macrura Reptantia 55 his works are fundamental for a study of Mediterranean Anomura 58 Brachyura 62 Decapods. Stomatopoda 76 Although most of Risso's descriptions are readily 4. New genera proposed by Risso (published and recognizable, there is a number that have caused later unpublished) 76 authors much difficulty. In these cases the descriptions 5. List of Risso's manuscripts dealing with Decapod were not sufficiently complete or partly erroneous, and Stomatopod Crustacea 77 the names given by Risso were either interpreted in 6. Literature 7S different ways and so caused confusion, or were entirely ignored. It is a very fortunate circumstance that many of 1.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Classification of the Xanthoidea Sensu Lato
    Contributions to Zoology, 75 (1/2) 23-73 (2006) A new classifi cation of the Xanthoidea sensu lato (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) based on phylogenetic analysis and traditional systematics and evaluation of all fossil Xanthoidea sensu lato Hiroaki Karasawa1, Carrie E. Schweitzer2 1Mizunami Fossil Museum, Yamanouchi, Akeyo, Mizunami, Gifu 509-6132, Japan, e-mail: GHA06103@nifty. com; 2Department of Geology, Kent State University Stark Campus, 6000 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720, USA, e-mail: [email protected] Key words: Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Xanthoidea, Portunidae, systematics, phylogeny Abstract Family Pilumnidae ............................................................. 47 Family Pseudorhombilidae ............................................... 49 A phylogenetic analysis was conducted including representatives Family Trapeziidae ............................................................. 49 from all recognized extant and extinct families of the Xanthoidea Family Xanthidae ............................................................... 50 sensu lato, resulting in one new family, Hypothalassiidae. Four Superfamily Xanthoidea incertae sedis ............................... 50 xanthoid families are elevated to superfamily status, resulting in Superfamily Eriphioidea ......................................................... 51 Carpilioidea, Pilumnoidoidea, Eriphioidea, Progeryonoidea, and Family Platyxanthidae ....................................................... 52 Goneplacoidea, and numerous subfamilies are elevated
    [Show full text]
  • DEEP SEA LEBANON RESULTS of the 2016 EXPEDITION EXPLORING SUBMARINE CANYONS Towards Deep-Sea Conservation in Lebanon Project
    DEEP SEA LEBANON RESULTS OF THE 2016 EXPEDITION EXPLORING SUBMARINE CANYONS Towards Deep-Sea Conservation in Lebanon Project March 2018 DEEP SEA LEBANON RESULTS OF THE 2016 EXPEDITION EXPLORING SUBMARINE CANYONS Towards Deep-Sea Conservation in Lebanon Project Citation: Aguilar, R., García, S., Perry, A.L., Alvarez, H., Blanco, J., Bitar, G. 2018. 2016 Deep-sea Lebanon Expedition: Exploring Submarine Canyons. Oceana, Madrid. 94 p. DOI: 10.31230/osf.io/34cb9 Based on an official request from Lebanon’s Ministry of Environment back in 2013, Oceana has planned and carried out an expedition to survey Lebanese deep-sea canyons and escarpments. Cover: Cerianthus membranaceus © OCEANA All photos are © OCEANA Index 06 Introduction 11 Methods 16 Results 44 Areas 12 Rov surveys 16 Habitat types 44 Tarablus/Batroun 14 Infaunal surveys 16 Coralligenous habitat 44 Jounieh 14 Oceanographic and rhodolith/maërl 45 St. George beds measurements 46 Beirut 19 Sandy bottoms 15 Data analyses 46 Sayniq 15 Collaborations 20 Sandy-muddy bottoms 20 Rocky bottoms 22 Canyon heads 22 Bathyal muds 24 Species 27 Fishes 29 Crustaceans 30 Echinoderms 31 Cnidarians 36 Sponges 38 Molluscs 40 Bryozoans 40 Brachiopods 42 Tunicates 42 Annelids 42 Foraminifera 42 Algae | Deep sea Lebanon OCEANA 47 Human 50 Discussion and 68 Annex 1 85 Annex 2 impacts conclusions 68 Table A1. List of 85 Methodology for 47 Marine litter 51 Main expedition species identified assesing relative 49 Fisheries findings 84 Table A2. List conservation interest of 49 Other observations 52 Key community of threatened types and their species identified survey areas ecological importanc 84 Figure A1.
    [Show full text]
  • Paleontological Research, Vol. 8, No. 1, Pp. 71–86, April 30, 2004 6 by the Palaeontological Society of Japan
    Paleontological Research, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 71–86, April 30, 2004 6 by the Palaeontological Society of Japan Revision of Amydrocarcinus and Palaeograpsus (Decapoda: Brachyura: Xanthoidea) with definition of three new genera CARRIE E. SCHWEITZER1 AND HIROAKI KARASAWA2 1Department of Geology, Kent State University Stark Campus, 6000 Frank Ave. NW, Canton, Ohio 44720 U.S.A. (e-mail: [email protected]) 2Mizunami Fossil Museum, Yamanouchi, Akeyo, Mizunami, Gifu 509-6132, Japan (e-mail: [email protected]) Received October 16, 2003; Revised manuscript accepted December 25, 2003 Abstract. All species referred to Palaeograpsus Bittner, 1875, have been reevaluated, resulting in three new genera, Bittneria, Magyarcarcinus,andLitograpsus. Amydrocarcinus Schweitzer et al., 2002, and Magyarcarcinus new genus are placed within the Goneplacinae MacLeay, 1838, of the Goneplacidae MacLeay, 1838, and constitute some of the earliest occurrences of the family. Bittneria new genus, Car- inocarcinus Lo˝ renthey, 1898, and Palaeograpsus sensu stricto are placed within the Eucratopsinae Stim- pson, 1871, of the Panopeidae Ortmann, 1893, and document the first notice of the subfamily in the fossil record. The Pseudorhombilidae Alcock, 1900, and the Eucratopsinae are very difficult to differentiate from one another based upon dorsal carapace characters typically preserved in the fossil record, but the ratios of the frontal width and fronto-orbital width are shown to be useful for this purpose. Litograpsus new genus is placed within the Grapsidae MacLeay, 1838, sensu lato. Palaeograpsus guerini Via, 1959, is placed within Chasmocarcinus Rathbun, 1898. The Panopeidae displayed a Tethyan distribution pattern early in its his- tory, and the Pseudorhombilidae has been largely restricted to the Americas since its first occurrence in the Miocene of Argentina (Glaessner, 1933).
    [Show full text]
  • Abundance and Diversity of Decapod Crustaceans in the Deep-Catalan Sea (Western Mediterranean)
    JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY, 1992, 26, 1305-1323 Abundance and diversity of decapod crustaceans in the deep-Catalan Sea (Western Mediterranean) J. E. CARTES and F. SARDA Institut de Ciencies del Mar, Passeig National s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain (Accepted 7 August 1992) The deep-slope decapod fauna of the Catalan Sea was extensively sampled with an OTSB-14 bottom trawl. A total of 67 bottom tows were taken from 1985 to 1989 at bottom depths ranging from 552 to 2261 m. Species in which abundance decreased with depth were Plesionika acanthonotus, Polycheles typhlops, Calocaris macandreae and Geryon longipes. Highest densities of Acanthephyra eximia, Stereomastis sculpta, and Nematocarcinus exilis were attained at the great­ est depths studied. Total abundance, biomass and species richness for decapod crustaceans as a whole decreased with depth. Maximum decapod biomass and diversity occurred on the upper-middle slope on soft bottoms in the .Catalan Sea and in all regions for which data were available. In the Catalan Sea, an oligotrophic area, the abundance of decapods as a group seemed to be higher than in north- Atlantic eutrophic regions. In these latter areas, other deep-sea benthic invertebrate groups, particularly ophiuroids, predominate. KEYWORDS: Decapod crustaceans, Mediterranean, abundance, biomass, diversity. Introduction The deep-sea decapod crustacean fauna in the Mediterranean has been only quali­ tatively studied (Carpine, 1970a; Reyss, 1971; Fredj and Laubier, 1985; Peres, 1985; Abello and Valladares, 1988; Cartes, 1992 and references cited). Data on abundance, biomass and on the dominant species along the deep slope are particularly scarce. The structure of bathyal decapod crustacean populations on the upper slope in the northwestern Mediterranean is relatively well known (Zariquiey Alvarez, 1968; Sarda and Palomera, 1981; Abello et al., 1988) down to a depth of 800 m, with data on species abundance and biomass also available.
    [Show full text]
  • Crustacea: Decapoda) from the Gulf of California, Mexico, and a Proposal for the Use of the Family Pseudorhombilidae Alcock, 1900
    18 September 1998 PROCEEDINGS OF THE BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON 111(3):634-644. 1998. A new genus and species of "goneplacid-like" brachyuran crab (Crustacea: Decapoda) from the Gulf of California, Mexico, and a proposal for the use of the family Pseudorhombilidae Alcock, 1900 Michel E. Hendrickx Institute de Ciencias del Mar y Limnologfa, Estacion Mazatlan, UNAM. P.O. Box 811, Mazatlan, Sinaloa 82000, Mexico Abstract.—A new genus and species of crab, Bathyrhombila furcata, are described from localities in the Gulf of California, western coast of Mexico. The new genus is close to Pseudorhombila H. Milne Edwards and belongs to a group of three genera tentatively assigned to the subfamily Pseudorhombi- linae Alcock, 1900 by Guinot in 1969. The affinity of Bathyrhombila, new genus, with other genera of "Goneplacidae" {Euphrosynoplax Guinot, Pseu­ dorhombila H. Milne Edwards, Nanoplax Guinot, Oediplax Rathbun, and Cha- cellus Guinot) is discussed, noting that they all represent primitive transitional forms between the cyclometopous and the catometopous abdomen-sternum or­ ganization, and a similar "xanthoid-goneplacid" facies. On the basis of these affinities, it is proposed that these six genera be included into the family Pseu­ dorhombilidae Alcock, within the Heterotremata Guinot, 1977. Resumen.—Se describe un nuevo genero y una nueva especie de cangrejo, Bathyrhombila furcata, recolectado en localidades de el golfo de California, costa oeste de Mexico. El nuevo genero se parece a Pseudorhombila H. Milne Edwards y pertenece a un grupo de tres generos tentativamente asignados a la subfamilia Pseudorhombilidae Alcock, 1900 por Guinot en 1969. Se discute la afinidad de Bathyrhombila, nuevo genero, con otros genero de "Goneplacidae" (Euphrosynoplax Guinot, Pseudorhombila H.
    [Show full text]
  • Rrachyt.RAN TYPE SPECIMENS (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA) in the MACLEAY COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY of SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Peter K. L. Ng
    THE RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 21W\ 49(1): 83-100 0 National University of Singapore RRACHYt.RAN TYPE SPECIMENS (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA) IN THE MACLEAY COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Peter K. L. Ng Department of Biological Scicncei, National University of'Siitgopore, Kent Ridge, Singapore liv26o. Republic rjf Singapore Email: dbin$fd*&nus.edu.s$ Shane T. Aiming Department of Marine tnvembratex, Australian Museum, 6 College St. Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia Email: [email protected]>vMu A HSTRACT. - William Sharp MacLeay's (IK38) paper was one of ihc most important for Ihc 19* century, wilh ihc author establishing 17 SUpragenCriC laxa. seven new genera anil 23 new species frnmSntilli Africa, described. The status, validity and taxonomy of these laxa are discussed and the extant type specimens are figured in detail for tin- first lime. Of the 23 species described, types are extant lor 18 species. Examination of these Specimens also leads (o some changes to the taxonomy of several species ui En/ilnti |Kriplliidac|, Trapezia 1= Grapsiilus) (Trnpcztidac|, and Wanes (= NatitilogrtipsttJi) (Grapsidae]. KM WORDS. - MacLcay collections. Brachyura, sysicmatics. INTRODUCTION crabs are considered lu be just one family), four are slill recognised. In ihc recent reappraisal of the Majidae. Griffin Of lhe many I9'h century papers published on Brachyura. and Tranter 11986) recognised Macleay's Inachinae. MacLeay's (1838) work must rank as one of the most Epiallinae and Milhracinae. wilh the slaius of Eurypodinac significant. Although small, the size of Macl.eay's ( 1838) pending and they synonymised Hucnidae under the paper belies its substantial contribution to brachyurun Epiallinae. MacLeay also recognised many other families taxonomy.
    [Show full text]
  • Biology of Shallow Marine Ichnology: a Modern Perspective
    Vol. 2: 255–268, 2008 AQUATIC BIOLOGY Printed June 2008 doi: 10.3354/ab00055 Aquat Biol Published online June 19, 2008 Contribution to the Theme Section ‘Bioturbation in aquatic environments: linking past and present’ OPENPEN ACCESSCCESS Biology of shallow marine ichnology: a modern perspective Murray K. Gingras1,*, Shahin E. Dashtgard2, James A. MacEachern2, S. George Pemberton1 1Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, 1-26 Earth Science Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E3, Canada 2Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada ABSTRACT: This study considers the construction and functionality of biogenic structures made by marine, vermiform nemerteans, polychaetes and hemichordates; marine crustaceans; motile bivalves; motile echinoderms; and sponges and sea anemones. We report on a range of modern biogenic struc- tures similar to several known ichnogenera. Vermiform animals dominantly occupy vertical burrows that range from simple through helical shafts to Y- and U-shapes. Horizontal traces made by worms range in form, but are dominated by branching and variably sinuous to meandering burrows. Crustaceans primarily excavate open burrow systems that possess a range of architectures that are similar to either Thalassinoides or Psilonichnus. Smaller crustaceans, such as amphipods, mix the sediment. Bivalve traces vary in form, but generally preserve evidence of vertically oriented filter or interface-deposit feed- ing from a stationary location, rapid vertical escape, or horizontal grazing. Echinoderms dominantly pre- serve body impressions and motility traces, such as Asteriacites. An important class of biogenic structure, Scolicia and Bichordites, are made by urchins. Finally, sea anemones can generate large, penetrative, conical biogenic structures.
    [Show full text]
  • Mediterranean Marine Science Vol
    Mediterranean Marine Science Vol. 5/2, 2004, 53-64 Key for the identification of Mediterranean brachyuran megalopae D. PESSANI, T. TIRELLI & S. FLAGELLA Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell’Uomo, Via Accademia Albertina 17, 10123 Torino, Italy e-mail: [email protected] Abstract Based on larval literature, an identification key has been constructed for the megalopae of 55 species of Mediterranean Brachyura. This key is based mainly on external morphological characteristics visible, by using a microscope, limiting the necessity for dissection of specimens. Characteristics used include presence/absence of ornamentation on the carapace, number of abdominal somites, number and position of setae and/or spines on antennula, antenna, pereiopods and structure of uropods, etc. Partial dissection is only required to count the setae on the scaphognathite margin. Using the above characters, it is also possible to gather almost all the families into groups. However, the megalopae of Portunidae as well as those of the three species of Brachynotus genus are similar to each other and their identification at a specific level requires the use of features somehow variable and difficult to count. In the Majidae, the megalopae of 14 species are already known. The complexity of morphological characters typical of this family makes it difficult to define characters common to all spider crab megalopae. Nevertheless, the key may be an aid for carcinology studies, especially those including sorting and identification of megalopae from plankton samples. Keywords: Larval development; Larval morphology; Key; Decapoda; Brachyura; Mediterranean Sea. Introduction obtaining this phase usually results in a high zoeal mortality. The larval development of Brachyura Of the 138 species of Brachyura totally present (Crustacea, Decapoda) includes two or more in the Mediterranean (d’Udekem d’Acoz, 1999), planktonic stages of zoea and the plankto- one or more zoeal stages are known for 78 benthonic stage of megalopa.
    [Show full text]
  • State of Kent's Wildlife
    TheKent’s State of Wildlife in 2011 Kent Biodiversity Partnership Action for Kent’s wildlife Contents Introduction 1 Kent’s Butterflies Mike Easterbrook Butterfly Conservation -Kent 2 Kent’s Moths Ian Ferguson & David Gardner Butterfly Conservation -Kent 5 Kent’s Amphibians and Reptiles Dr Lee Brady Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group 10 Kent’s Birds Andrew Henderson Kent Ornithological Society 18 Kent’s Bats Shirley Thompson Kent Bat Group 26 Kent’s Wild Plants Richard Moyse Kent Wildlife Trust 33 Kent’s Marine Wildlife Bryony Chapman, Kent Wildlife Trust 39 The State of Kent’s Wildlife in 2011 Kent is one the UK’s most wildlife-rich bird species, and two species of bat all counties, a result of its varied geology, became extinct in the county. This long coastline, landscape history, excludes consideration of groups not southerly location and proximity to covered in the following chapters; for mainland Europe. Its important wildlife example, the Red Squirrel and 3 species habitats include estuaries, chalk cliffs, of bumblebee were also lost during the woodlands, and chalk downland, and 20th century. In addition to this, many of encompass some of the South East’s the species that remain have seen big most iconic landscapes, such as the population declines, including many shingle headland of Dungeness and species of butterflies and moths, birds the White Cliffs of Dover. and wildflowers of farmland, wetland plants, Adders and Common Toads. This publication has been prepared by Kent natural historians to give an As seen in the following chapters, the outline of the changing fortunes of causes of these losses and declines are Kent’s wild plants and animals over the various.
    [Show full text]