[Crustacea • 2019] Hyastenus tabolongi • On The Identity of Hyastenus inermis (Rathbun, 1911) (Decapoda: Majoidea: Epialtidae), and Description of A New Species from Sulawesi, Indonesia

 Hyastenus tabolongi Lee & Ng, 2019

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY.  67

Photographs: A.C. Podzorski.

Abstract

 The poorly known epialtid spider crab, Hyastenus inermis (Rathbun, 1911), from the Indian Ocean is re-described on the basis of the types. Specimens of a similar species from North Sulawesi, Indonesia, collected from among zoanthid polyps are here assigned to a new species, Hyastenus tabolongi. It differs from H. inermis by its more prominent gastric region, more slender and smooth chelipeds and structure of the male first gonopod. In life, the dorsal surfaces of the carapace and appendages of H. tabolongi, new species, are completely covered by zoanthid polyps. 

Key words. spider crab, Epialtidae, Majoidea, taxonomy, new species, Indonesia, Philippines, associate of Epizoanthidae

Superfamily Majoidea Samouelle, 1819 

Family Epialtidae MacLeay, 1838 

Hyastenus White, 1847 

Hyastenus inermis (Rathbun, 1911)

Distribution. Hyastenus inermis is known from its type locality, Amirante, Indian Ocean, and between Mauritius and Cape Guardafui (Rathbun, 1911; Griffin, 1974).

Fig. 4.  Hyastenus tabolongi, new species, observed in situ from Bunaken, Lekuan on different dates.
A, B, photographed in November 2011; C, D, photographed in July 2018.

Photographs by: A.C. Podzorski.

 Hyastenus tabolongi new species

Diagnosis. Carapace pyriform, regions defined. Pseudorostral spines straight, divergent. Supraorbital eave forming rectangular lobe; preorbital angle rounded, antorbital angle rounded, outer margin slightly constricted; orbital hiatus between supraorbital and postorbital lobes form narrow U-shape; postorbital lobe cup-like. Carapace lacking granules; gastric region prominently swollen; small tubercle on mesogastric region; epibranchial region swollen, slightly arched; cardiac region swollen; intestinal region swollen with 3 slightly swollen areas; 2 on metabranchial region and 1 medially on intestinal region (Fig. 3A, D). Antennal flagellum shorter than pseudorostral spine. Basal antennal article longer than broad, distolateral angle of article sharp, outer margin distinctly constricted medially. Pterygostomial region with single granule on outer margin (Fig. 3B, E). Cheliped slender; surface smooth (Fig. 3A, D). Ambulatory legs slender; P2 longest (Fig. 3A, D). Male thoracic sternum slightly concave anteriorly; sternites 3, 4 with lateral margin constricted. Male pleon slender, triangular, telson triangular (Fig. 3B). G1 slightly curved, distal tip sharp (Fig. 2G, H).

 Etymology. This species is named after Maxi Tabolong, a senior dive guide who first showed the crab to Andrew Podzorski, who was then able to photograph it over the years. 

Distribution. Currently only known from its type locality, north Sulawesi, and Pulau Molana, Ambon, Indonesia.

Bee Yan Lee and Peter K. L. Ng. 2019. On The Identity of Hyastenus inermis (Rathbun, 1911), and Description of A New Species from Sulawesi, Indonesia (Crustacea: Decapoda: Majoidea: Epialtidae). RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY.  67: 490–497.  

 lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/app/uploads/2019/01/RBZ-2019-0038.pdf

[Crustacea • 2019] Geosesarma mirum • A New Species of Semi-terrestrial Sesarmid Crab (Decapoda, Brachyura) from central Taiwan

Geosesarma mirum

Shy & Ng, 2019

  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.858.35198

Abstract

A new species of semi-terrestrial sesarmid crab of the genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892, is described from central Taiwan. Geosesarma mirum sp. nov. is distinct in possessing a strong transverse crest on the inner surface of the male chela and a diagnostic male first gonopod which is relatively long and stout, with the distal chitinous part broad and spatuliform. Like most Geosesarma species, G. mirum sp. nov. has large eggs and direct development, contrasting with the only other species known from Taiwan, G. hednon Ng, Liu and Schubart, 2004, which has small eggs and planktotrophic larvae.

Keywords: Direct development, East Asia, freshwater, large eggs, Sesarmidae, taxonomy

Figure 1. Geosesarma mirum sp. nov. A, B male (9.9 × 8.6 mm) (NTOU F10396) C ovigerous female with eggs (specimen not collected) D brooding female with young crabs (specimen not collected).

 Photographs A–C J-Y Shy, D Peter Wang.

Figure 2. Geosesarma mirum sp. nov. holotype male (11.9 × 10.8 mm) (NTOU F10395), Taiwan
A overall dorsal view B dorsal view of carapace C frontal view of cephalothorax D anterior thoracic sternum and pleon.

Figure 6. Habitat of Geosesarma mirum sp. nov.
A Chilan River, Jhongpu, Chiayi County, Taiwan, B Lunziding Canal, Jhongpu, Chiayi County, Taiwan.

Family Sesarmidae Dana, 1851

Genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892

Type species: Sesarma (Geosesarma) nodulifera De Man, 1892, 

subsequent designation by Serène and Soh (1970).

Geosesarma mirum sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Carapace quadrate, slightly wider than long or subequal, adult width to length ratio 1.10–1.21, lateral margins gently sinuous, gently diverging posteriorly (Fig. 2A, B); dorsal surface with regions visible, anterior regions with small rounded granules on gastric regions, branchial regions with numerous striae (Fig. 2A, B); front distinctly deflexed, frontal lobes broad, with subtruncate margins in dorsal view; postfrontal, postorbital cristae prominent, rugose (Fig. 2A–C); external orbital tooth triangular to subtruncate, directed obliquely laterally, outer margin convex, shorter than inner margin, tip reaching lateral margin; second lateral tooth low, rounded, separated from external orbital tooth by deep notch (Fig. 2A, B). Merus of third maxilliped subovate, subequal to ischium; exopod slender, reaching to just before edge of merus, with long flagellum (Fig. 4A). Merus of cheliped with low ventral lobe with serrated margin, upper lobe relatively lower. Outer surface of palm of adult male covered with small rounded granules and striae; inner surface granulated, with distinct, high transverse granulated ridge; dorsal margin of dactylus with 11 or 12 low, non-chitinous tubercles on proximal two-thirds (Fig. 3). Ambulatory legs with relatively stout, short merus, with sharp subdistal spine on dorsal margin, surfaces rugose (Fig. 1A). Part of male thoracic sternite 8 exposed when pleon closed. Male pleonal locking mechanism formed by expanded posterior edge of thoracic sternite 4. Male pleon triangular; somite 6 wide, with convex lateral margins; telson triangular, not recessed into distal margin of somite 6, margins convex (Figs 2D, 4B). G1 relatively long, stout, gently curved outwards; outer margin of subdistal part of subterminal segment with subangular shelf-like structure (Fig. 4C, D), distal chitinous part broad, tip spatuliform, margin uneven (Fig. 4C–K). G2 short, ca. a third length of G1 (Fig. 4L).

....

Etymology: The name is derived from the Latin for “surprise”, alluding to the unexpected discovery of this species in Taiwan.

 Jhy-Yun Shy and Peter K.L. Ng. 2019. Geosesarma mirum, A New Species of Semi-terrestrial Sesarmid Crab (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) from central Taiwan.  ZooKeys. 858: 1-10. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.858.35198

[Crustacea • 2019] Geosesarma spectrum • A New Species of Semiterrestrial Vampire Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from Brunei Darussalam, Borneo

Geosesarma spectrum

P. Y. C. Ng & P. K. L. Ng, 2019

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4614.3.6 

Abstract
A new semiterrestrial vampire crab from the family Sesarmidae, Geosesarma spectrum n. sp., is described from Brunei Darussalam (Borneo). The new species is characterised by its colouration in life, relatively large size, and form of the carapace, ambulatory legs and gonopods. The new species is compared to its closest congeners from Borneo. This description brings the number of Geosesarma species to 60.

Keywords: Crustacea, taxonomy, Grapsoidea, semiterrestrial crab, taxonomy, Brunei Darussalam, Southeast Asia

Paul Y. C. Ng and Peter K. L. Ng. 2019. Geosesarma spectrum, A New Species of Semiterrestrial Vampire Crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from Brunei Darussalam, Borneo. Zootaxa. 4614(3); 529–540. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4614.3.6

[Crustacea • 2019] Pseudophilyra parilis • A New Species of Pseudophilyra (Decapoda: Brachyura) from Japan, and Redescription and New Records of A poorly known Leucosiid Crab, Pseudophilyra punctulata

Pseudophilyra parilis 

Tomoyuki, Shimetsugu & Ng, 2019

   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4550.2.6

Abstract

A poorly known leucosiid crab, Pseudophilyra punctulata Chen & Ng, 2003, originally described on the basis of an immature male holotype and an immature female paratype from Singapore, is rediscovered and rediagnosed on the basis of material from Thailand, the Philippines and the Ryukyu Islands (Japan). In addition, a new species closely related to P. punctulata, P. parilis, is described and illustrated on the basis of material from Mie Prefecture, Honshu mainland of Japan. The new species is distinguished from P. punctulata by the coarser granules bordering the lateral carapace margins and the different shape of the gonopods. Pseudophilyra tridentata Miers, 1879, is also compared with P. punctulata and P. parilis n. sp. because of the close similarities in the overall morphology of the carapace and appendages, but can easily be differentiated by the smoother carapace and thoracic sternum surface, different shape of the carapace and the stouter cheliped palm. It is possible that previous records of P. tridentata outside Japan might contain more than one species.

Keywords: Crustacea, Pseudophilyra parilis, Pseudophilyra tridentata, Thailand, Philippines, Ryukyu Islands

Leucosiidae Samouelle, 1819 

Ebaliinae Stimpson, 1871 

Pseudophilyra Miers, 1879

Pseudophilyra parilis n. sp. 

[New Japanese name: Hamabe-kobushi-modoki]

FIGURE 5. Pseudophilyra parilis n. sp., CBM-ZC 14485, holotype, male (7.2×6.2 mm), Mie Prefecture, Japan, habitus in dorsal view (left pereopod 2 missing), stained with methylene blue to show details of dorsal ornamentation of carapace.

Distribution. Presently known only from the type locality, Funakoshi, Daiou-cho, Shima, Mie Prefecture, Japan; intertidal to shallow subtidal sand bottom.

Etymology. From the Latin “parilis” (adj., similar), in reference to the close similarity of the new species to Pseudophilyra punctulata. 

Komai Tomoyuki, Miho Shimetsugu and Peter K. L. Ng. 2019. Redescription and New Records of A poorly known Leucosiid Crab, Pseudophilyra punctulata Chen & Ng, 2003, and Description of A New Species of Pseudophilyra from Japan (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura). Zootaxa. 4550(2); 251–267.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4550.2.6

[Crustacea • 2018] Indochinamon khinpyae • A New Species of Freshwater Crab (Brachyura, Potamidae) from northern Myanmar

 Indochinamon khinpyae  

Ng & Mar, 2018

 DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.811.29187 

Abstract

A new species of freshwater crab of the genus Indochinamon Yeo & Ng, 2007 (family Potamidae), is described from highlands north of Myitkyina in Kachin State, Myanmar. Indochinamon khinpyae sp. n. is distinguished from congeners by its very rugose carapace, broad male pleon and distinctively structured male first gonopod; and is the first potamid species recorded from northern Myanmar.

Keywords: Taxonomy, freshwater crab, Burma, Potaminae, Indochinamon, new species, description

Figure 1.  Indochinamon khinpyae sp. n., colour in life, holotype male (57.1×43.2 mm) (ZRC 2018.0713).
A dorsal view B ventral view of cephalothorax.

 Figure 2.  Indochinamon khinpyae sp. n. A, D, F holotype male (57.1×43.2 mm) (ZRC 2018.0713) B, E paratype male (47.2×36.4 mm) (ZRC 2018.0714) C, G paratype male (34.3×26.6 mm) (ZRC 2018.0714). A–C overall habitus D, E frontal view of cephalothorax F, G dorsal view of carapace.

Systematics

Family Potamidae Ortmann, 1896 sensu Yeo and Ng (2004)

Genus Indochinamon Yeo & Ng, 2007

Type species: Potamon villosum Yeo & Ng, 1998, 

by original designation.

Indochinamon khinpyae sp. n.

Diagnosis: Carapace with dorsal surface prominently rugose in large specimens (ca. 45 mm carapace width), frontal and orbital regions prominently rugose, lateral parts of anterolateral and branchial regions with strong oblique striae; mesogastric, urogastric, cardiac and intestinal regions with distinct rugosities and distinct granules (Fig. 2A, D, F); postorbital cristae distinct, margin uneven, outer edge relatively low, not well marked (Fig. 2A, D, F); external orbital tooth distinct, separated from anterolateral margin by deep V-shaped cleft; epibranchial tooth prominent (Fig. 2A, F); anterolateral margin lined with sharp granules, appears serrated (Fig. 2A, F); posterior margin of epistome with distinct median triangle (Fig. 2D); outer surface of chela strongly rugose, upper part rugose with granules (Fig. 3H, I); male thoracic sternum, notably sternites 3 and 4, relatively broad, surface with pits and scattered short, stiff setae (Fig. 3A); male pleon triangular; telson triangular, lateral margins gently sinuous; somite 6 transversely rectangular, much wider than long, lateral margin gently convex (Fig. 3A, B); G1 relatively stout; outer margin of subterminal segment with distinct broad cleft on distal part, terminal segment subcylindrical, gently curving outwards, no visible dorsal flap, distal part tapering to rounded tip (Fig. 4A–D).

Etymology: The species is named after Ms Khin Pyae Pyae Thaw Thar who collected the specimens used for this study. Her name is used here as a noun in apposition.

Colour: In life, the dorsal surfaces of the carapace and outer surfaces of the chelipeds are dark brown; with the ventral surfaces orangish-red; and the ambulatory legs are dark brown to orangish red (Fig. 1).

Habitat: The type locality, Malikha, is a fast-flowing river, the substrate consisting of rocks of various sizes, with the bank sandy. The banks are densely lined with tall trees. This river is a branch of the Ayeyarwady River (= Ayrwarwady River or Myitsone) and is about 43 km north of Myitkyina, the capital city of Kachin State.

 Peter K. L. Ng and Win Mar. 2018. On A New Species of Freshwater Crab, Indochinamon khinpyae, from northern Myanmar (Crustacea, Brachyura, Potamidae). ZooKeys. 811: 47-63. DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.811.29187

[Crustacea • 2018] Karstarma malang • A New Sesarmid Crab of the Genus Karstarma (Decapoda: Brachyura) Associated with Limestone Formations in East Java, Indonesia

Karstarma malang

Wowor & Ng, 2018

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4482.2.7  

Abstract

A new stygobitic sesarmid crab species is described from underground freshwater cave streams in the southern Malang karst range on the south coast of East Java Province, Indonesia. Karstarma malang n. sp. is morphologically most similar to K. jacobsoni (Ihle, 1912) from an underground river cave system in the southern coast of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province in central Java, but differs in having a relatively larger cornea, less swollen ocular peduncle which lacks a ridge along the median part, proportionately shorter ambulatory legs and a more slender male first gonopod. This paper increases the number of the species of Karstarma Davie & Ng, 2007, to 16; the new species being the eighth of the genus from Indonesia. It is also the third species which has a distinctly reduced cornea.

Keywords: Crustacea, Sesarmidae, Karstarma malang, new species, karst, caves, Java, Indonesia

Daisy Wowor and Peter K. L. Ng. 2018. A New Sesarmid Crab of the Genus Karstarma (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) Associated with Limestone Formations in East Java, Indonesia.  Zootaxa. 4482(2); 355–366.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4482.2.7

[Crustacea • 2018] Identity of the Tree-Spider Crab, Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae), with Descriptions of Seven New Species from the Western Pacific

Parasesarma macaco

 Li, Rahayu & Ng, 2018

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4482.3.2 

Abstract

The identity of the tree-spider crab, Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869) (family Sesarmidae), which is believed to be widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, is reassessed and shown to be a species-complex with nine species, seven of which are here described as new. Parasesarma leptosoma sensu stricto is now restricted to South and East Africa; and P. limbense (Rathbun, 1914) from Sulawesi, which had been regarded as a junior synonym, is here recognized as a valid species. The following species are described as new: P. gecko n. sp. from Vanuatu, Fiji, Guam and Japan; P. macaco n. sp. from Taiwan and the Philippines; P. kui n. sp. from Taiwan; P. parvulum n. sp. from the Philippines; P. gracilipes n. sp. from Indonesian Papua; P. purpureum n. sp. from Malaysia; and P. tarantula n. sp. from Sulawesi, Indonesia. The nine species of the Parasesarma leptosoma species-complex can be separated by the different shapes of their carapaces, the form of the dactylar tubercles on the male chelipeds, proportions of their ambulatory legs and the structure of the male first gonopod.

Keywords: Crustacea, Parasesarma, tree-climbing, species-complex, new species, taxonomy

....

Superfamily Grapsoidea MacLeay, 1838
Family Sesarmidae Dana, 1851
Genus Parasesarma De Man, 1895

Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869)

Parasesarma limbense (Rathbun, 1914)

Parasesarma gecko n. sp. 

Etymology. The specific epithet alludes to the new species’ quick movements on vertical surfaces and its tendency to autotomise its appendages when handled, as also observed in the eponymous lizard. The name is used here as a noun in apposition.

 Parasesarma macaco n. sp. Pingtung (Paoli River), Taiwan

Parasesarma macaco n. sp.

Etymology. Derived from the Portuguese "macaco" meaning “monkey”. It alludes to the agility of this treeclimbing species and its habit of jumping around branches. The name is used as a noun in apposition.


Parasesarma kui n. sp. 

Etymology. Named for Mr. Ching-Fang Ku, a ranger in the Kenting National Park and specialist of land crab conservation. The type locality of P. kui n. sp., Kangkou River, is found in his home village of Kangkou.


Parasesarma gracilipes n. sp. 

Etymology. The name is derived from the Latin "gracilis" (slender) and "pes" (legs), referring to the slender ambulatory legs of the species.


Parasesarma purpureum n. sp. 

Etymology. From the Latin purpureum for “purple” with reference to the general colour of the new species.


Parasesarma parvulum n. sp. 

Etymology. The name parvulum derives from the Latin word, meaning young or small, alluding to the relative small size of the present species.


Parasesarma tarantula n. sp. 
Etymology. The name is from the old Italian common name for large spiders, tarantula. The use of the name here alludes to the tree-climbing habits of the new species, similar to many species of tarantula, some of which are also found in Sulawesi. Used as a noun in apposition.

 Jheng-Jhang Li, Dwi Listyo Rahayu and Peter K. L. Ng. 2018. Identity of the Tree-Spider Crab, Parasesarma leptosoma (Hilgendorf, 1869) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae), with Descriptions of Seven New Species from the Western Pacific. Zootaxa. 4482(3); 451–490. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4482.3.2

[Crustacea • 2018] Tubuca alcocki • A New Pseudocryptic Species of Fiddler Crab (Decapoda, Brachyura, Ocypodidae) from the Indian Ocean, sister to the southeastern African T. urvillei (H. Milne Edwards, 1852)

Tubuca alcocki 

 Shih, Chan & Ng, 2018

  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.747.23468 

Abstract

A new pseudocryptic species of fiddler crab, Tubuca alcocki sp. n., is described from the northern Indian Ocean. The new species was previously identified with T. urvillei (H. Milne Edwards, 1852), but can be distinguished by the structures of the anterolateral angle of the carapace and male first gonopod. The molecular data of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene shows that both are sister taxa and the divergence time is estimated at 2.2 million years ago, around the beginning of the Pleistocene. While the new species is widely distributed in the northern part of Indian Ocean, occurring from the Red Sea to India and the Andaman Sea; T. urvillei sensu stricto has a more restricted range, and is known only from southeastern Africa.

Keywords: mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I, molecular clock, morphology, new species, Tubuca alcocki, Tubuca urvillei

Systematic account

Family Ocypodidae Rafinesque, 1815

Subfamily Gelasiminae Miers, 1886 (sensu Shih et al. 2016)

Genus Tubuca Bott, 1973

Tubuca urvillei (H. Milne Edwards, 1852)

Figure 6. Tubuca alcocki sp. n.
A–G variation of the live colouration. A, B holotype (CW 30.1 mm, ZRC 2017.1278; Thailand) C adult male (not collected; Phuket, Thailand) D young male (CW 13.0 mm, NCHUZOOL 14897; Thailand). 

Figure 6. Tubuca alcocki sp. n.
E–G variation of the live colouration.  E ovigerous female (CW 19.8 mm, NCHUZOOL 14897, Thailand) F, G females in the field (not captured; Phuket, Thailand)
 H habitat in Ranong, Thailand.

Tubuca alcocki sp. n.

Gelasimus Dussumieri H. Milne Edwards, 1852: 148, pl. 4(12) [part; Malabar, India]; Kingsley 1880: 145 [part; list]; Chandy 1973: 402 [Gulf of Kutch, W India] (not Gelasimus dussumieri H. Milne Edwards, 1852 sensu stricto).

Gelasimus acutus – Alcock 1900: 360–361 [Sunderbunds, Mergui; Andamans; Karachi] (not Gelasimus acutus Stimpson, 1858).

Gelasimus Urvillei – Alcock 1900: 362–363 [Nicobars; Madras; Karachi] (not Gelasimus urvillei H. Milne Edwards, 1852).

Uca angustifrons – Lundoer 1974: 8 [Phuket, SW Thailand]; Ng and Davie 2002: 378 [list; Phuket, SW Thailand] (not Gelasimus signatus var. angustifrons De Man, 1892 = Tubuca bellator (White, 1847)).

Uca (Deltuca) [coarctata] urvillei – Crane 1975: 35, 58–61, figs 8B, 9E, pl. 9C, D [part, Pakistan to southern India]; Frith and Frith 1977a: 100–101 [Phuket, SW Thailand] (not Gelasimus urvillei H. Milne Edwards, 1852).

Uca urvillei – Frith et al. 1976: 14, 19, 23–24, 28 [Phuket, SW Thailand]; Tirmizi and Ghani 1996: 103–105, fig. 39 [Pakistan]; Jaroensutasinee et al. 2003: 1–3 [W Thailand]; Jaroensutasinee and Jaroensutasinee 2004: 534, 538, 540–548 [W Thailand]; Naiyanetr 2007: 133 [list; Thailand]; Saher 2008: 21–22, fig. 2.2, pl. 2.1 [Pakistan]; Dev Roy and Nandi 2012: 218 [Nicobar, India]; Hossain 2015: 203, 1 unnumbered fig. [Bangladesh]; Odhano et al. 2015: 170–171, figs 1–2 [Pakistan] (not Gelasimus urvillei H. Milne Edwards, 1852).

Uca (Deltuca) urvillei – Hogarth 1986: 222–223 [Red Sea]; Price et al. 1987: 456, 464 [Red Sea]; Krishnan 1992: 471–472 [Bombay, India] (not Gelasimus urvillei H. Milne Edwards, 1852).

Uca (Deltuca) dussumieri – Krishnan 1992: 471–472 [Bombay, India] (not Gelasimus dussumieri H. Milne Edwards, 1852)

Uca (Tubuca) urvillei – Beinlich and von Hagen 2006: 10, 14, 25, fig. 7f, k [Thailand; India] (not Gelasimus urvillei H. Milne Edwards, 1852).

Uca (Tubuca) acuta – Trivedi et al. 2015: 27 [Gujarat, India] (not Gelasimus acutus Stimpson, 1858).

Tubuca urvillei – Shih et al. 2016: 159, 174 [part], fig. 12A.

Colouration in life: Adults with carapace and legs brown or dark brown, posterior part gray, especially in females (Fig. 6A, C, E). Some females with anterolateral angles orange (Fig. 6E, F) or with dark blotches on blue carapace (Fig. 6G). Major cheliped with fingers white; lower palm deep yellow in large individuals, orange in young individuals; upper palm brown (Fig. 6B–D). Females sometimes with minor chelipeds orange, sometimes with tint of blue (Figs 3F, 6F, G).

Ecological notes: In western Thailand, this species inhabits muddy banks of mangroves (Fig. 6H) and is sympatric with several species of fiddler crabs, including Austruca annulipes (H. Milne Edwards, 1837), A. bengali, Tubuca forcipata (Adams & White, 1849) and T. paradussumieri (cf. Frith and Frith 1977a, 1978; this study). In Pakistan, this species is sympatric with Austruca iranica (cf. Saher et al. 2014).

Etymology: This species is named after Alfred William Alcock, who first recorded this species from India and Pakistan as “Uca urvillei” (cf. Alcock 1900).

Distribution: Western Thailand, India, Pakistan, and the Red Sea (see Remarks).

Figure 6. Tubuca alcocki sp. n.
A–G variation of the live colouration. A, B holotype (CW 30.1 mm, ZRC 2017.1278; Thailand) C adult male (not collected; Phuket, Thailand) D young male (CW 13.0 mm, NCHUZOOL 14897; Thailand) E ovigerous female (CW 19.8 mm, NCHUZOOL 14897, Thailand) F, G females in the field (not captured; Phuket, Thailand)
H habitat in Ranong, Thailand. 

 Hsi-Te Shih, Benny K.K. Chan and Peter K.L. Ng. 2018. Tubuca alcocki, A New Pseudocryptic Species of Fiddler Crab from the Indian Ocean, sister to the southeastern African T. urvillei (H. Milne Edwards, 1852) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Ocypodidae). ZooKeys. 747: 41-62.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.747.23468

[Crustacea • 2018] Australocarcinus insperatus • A New Species of Trogloplacine Crab of the Genus Australocarcinus Davie, 1988 (Brachyura, Chasmocarcinidae) from A Freshwater Stream in Mahé, Seychelles

Australocarcinus insperatus 

Ng & Daniels, 2018 

 DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.738.23708 

Abstract

A new species of freshwater chasmocarcinid crab, Australocarcinus insperatus sp. n., is described from the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. This is the first record of the genus and the subfamily Trogloplacinae Guinot, 1986, from the Indian Ocean, with all other members previously recorded from Australia, New Britain, New Caledonia, and Palau in the Pacific Ocean. The disjunct distribution of Australocarcinus is unexpected considering all trogoplacines are believed to practice direct development, lacking free-swimming larval stages. The new species is morphologically most similar to A. riparius Davie, 1988, from Queensland, Australia, but can be distinguished from its three congeners on the basis of the structures of its carapace, ambulatory legs and male first gonopod.

Keywords: Chasmocarcinidae, freshwater, Indian Ocean, new species, Trogloplacinae, taxonomy

Figure 1. Australocarcinus insperatus sp. n., holotype male (10.7 × 8.6 mm) (ZRC 2017.1072), Seychelles. A overall dorsal habitus B dorsal view of carapace (right side denuded) C right third maxilliped (denuded) D anterior thoracic sternum and pleon E posterior thoracic sternum and pleon F frontal view of cephalothorax G posterior margin of epistome. 

Australocarcinus insperatus sp. n., holotype male (10.7 × 8.6 mm) (ZRC 2017.1072), Seychelles.
Figure 1.  A overall dorsal habitus B dorsal view of carapace (right side denuded) C right third maxilliped (denuded) D anterior thoracic sternum and pleon E posterior thoracic sternum and pleon F frontal view of cephalothorax G posterior margin of epistome.

Figure 2.  A outer surfaces of chelae B right first ambulatory leg showing setose posterior margin on propodus and dactylus C left fourth ambulatory leg D posterior thoracic sternum showing supplementary plate

Figure 2. Australocarcinus insperatus sp. n. A–D holotype male (10.7 × 8.6 mm) (ZRC 2017.1072), Seychelles E–G paratype female (9.5 × 7.8 mm) (ZRC 2017.1073), Seychelles. A outer surfaces of chelae B right first ambulatory leg showing setose posterior margin on propodus and dactylus C left fourth ambulatory leg D posterior thoracic sternum showing supplementary plate E female overall dorsal habitus F female posterior thoracic sternum and pleon G female sterno-pleonal cavity showing vulvae.

Systematics

Family Chasmocarcinidae Serène, 1964

Subfamily Trogloplacinae Guinot, 1986

Genus Australocarcinus Davie, 1988

Type species: Australocarcinus riparius Davie, 1988, by original designation.

Australocarcinus insperatus sp. n.

Material examined: Holotype: male (10.7 × 8.6 mm) (ZRC 2017.1072), in shallow stream, ca. 800 m from sea, about 2 km south-southeast of international airport, Mahé, Seychelles, coll. SR Daniels, May 2010. Paratypes: 1 male (8.5 × 7.2 mm), 1 female (9.5 × 7.8 mm) (ZRC 2017.1073), same data as holotype.

Diagnosis: Carapace subquadrate, front weakly bilobed, with shallow median concavity (Fig. 1A, B); dorsal surface gently convex (Fig. 1F); dorsal surfaces and margins covered with short uneven tomentum (Fig. 1A, B); anterolateral margins arcuate, with four low teeth: first widest with gently sinuous margin, second lobiform, third wide, fourth (at junction of antero- and posterolateral margins) dentate, directed laterally, protruding beyond margin (Fig. 1B). Posterolateral margin converging towards gently convex posterior carapace margin (Fig. 1B). Epistome compressed, posterior margin with distinct triangular median lobe with median fissure, lateral margins gently sinuous (Fig. 1G). Eye peduncle completely filling orbit, relatively short, mobile; cornea distinct, pigmented (Fig. 1B, F). Third maxillipeds leaving gap when closed; merus quadrate, anteroexternal angle auriculiform; ischium quadrate, slightly longer than merus with very shallow median sulcus (Fig. 1C, D). Chelipeds subequal, relatively stouter in males (Figs 1A, 2E); cutting margins of both chelae with distinct teeth in both sexes, base of fingers with tuft of stiff setae; proximal part of dactylus of right chela with large, triangular tooth directed towards palm (Fig. 2A); ventral surface of cheliped merus with tubercles. Ambulatory legs moderately short; meri unarmed but setose to varying degrees; P2 carpus, propodus and dactylus with very long coarse setae which obscures margins (Figs 1A, 2B); P3–P5 propodus and dactylus setose but setae shorter than on P5 (Fig. 2C); P5 dactylus straight (Fig. 2C). Thoracic sternites 1, 2 fused, broadly triangular, short; separated from sternite 3 by sinuous groove; sternites 3, 4 fused, relatively broad (Fig. 1D). Male pleon with lateral margins of somite 6 and fused somites 3‒5 gently sinuous; telson slightly longer than broad (Fig. 1D, E). Sterno-pleonal cavity of male deep, press-button for pleonal holding small, short tubercle posterior to thoracic sternal suture 4/5 near edge of sterno-pleonal cavity. Male thoracic sternite 8 short, rectangular; supplementary plate narrow, wider along outer part (Figs 1E, 2D). G1 stout; basal part truncate; distal part cylindrical, with rounded tip, covered with short spinules (Fig. 3A–D). G2 prominently longer than G1, basal segment curved; distal segment slightly longer than basal segment, apex cup-like (Fig. 3E, F). Somites of female pleon with slightly convex lateral margins; telson wider than long (Fig. 2F). Sterno-pleonal cavity of female moderately deep, with large vulvae distinctly separated from each other, covering most of thoracic sternite 5, ovate, with low raised lip on outer margin, opening slit-like (Fig. 2G).

Etymology: From the Latin “insperatus” for “unforeseen”, alluding to the unexpected discovery of a species of Australocarcinus in the western Indian Ocean.

 Peter K. L. Ng and Savel R. Daniels. 2018. A New Species of Trogloplacine Crab of the Genus Australocarcinus Davie, 1988 from A Freshwater Stream in Mahé, Seychelles (Crustacea, Brachyura, Chasmocarcinidae).  ZooKeys. 738; 27-35.   DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.738.23708

[Crustacea • 2018] Redescription of Parilia alcocki Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Leucosiidae) from southeast India

Parilia alcocki   Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891

in Prema, Ravichandran & Ng, 2018.
 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4378.1.7 

Abstract

Parilia alcocki Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891, the type species of Parilia Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891, described from the Bay of Bengal, is one of the largest known leucosioid crabs, reaching carapace widths of over 50 mm. It is, however, not well known and its male gonopods have never been figured. A series of specimens of this species obtained from a fishing port in Tamil Nadu, India, allows for a comprehensive re-description and illustrations of the species. Its distinguishing characters from congeners are discussed.

Keywords: Crustacea, Deep-sea crab, Leucosioidea, Parilia alcocki, redescription, taxonomy

M. Prema, S. Ravichandran and Peter K. L. Ng. 2018. Redescription of Parilia alcocki Wood-Mason, in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Leucosiidae) from southeast India. Zootaxa. 4378(1); 111–120.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4378.1.7

[Crustacea • 2017] Acanthodromia margarita & Pariphiculus stellatus • Notes On Two Crabs (Brachyura, Dynomenidae and Iphiculidae) Collected from Red Coral Beds in northern Taiwan

Pariphiculus stellatus  Ng & Jeng, 2017

 DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.694.14871 

Abstract

Two brachyuran species of the families Dynonemidae and Iphiculidae are reported from red coral beds in northern Taiwan. The dynonemid Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899) has hitherto been reported from the Andaman Sea, Japan, and Philippines and the species is here recorded for the first time from Taiwan. A new species of iphiculid, Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n., is also described. The new Pariphiculus, which also occurs in the Philippines, is superficially similar to P. agariciferus Ihle, 1918, a species known from Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South China Sea, Taiwan, and Vanuatu, but can be distinguished by distinct carapace, pleonal and male first gonopod features.

Keywords: Brachyuran crab, Dromioidea, East China Sea, Leucosioidea, new Pariphiculus species, taxonomy

Figure 1. Colour in life.
A, B Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899), female (17.8 × 18.3 mm) (ASIZ 75484), Taiwan C Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899), female (17.7 × 19.2 mm) (ZRC 2008.1420), Philippines
D Pariphiculus agariciferus, Ihle, 1918, male (11.9 × 12.1 mm) (ZRC 2009.471), Vanuatu E, F Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n., holotype male (27.7 × 24.5 mm) (ASIZ 75485), Taiwan. A, C, D, E overall dorsal view; B, F ventral view.

Systematics

Family Dynomenidae Ortmann, 1892

Genus Acanthodromia A. Milne-Edwards, 1880

Acanthodromia margarita (Alcock, 1899)

Family Iphiculidae Alcock, 1896

Genus Pariphiculus Alcock, 1896

Pariphiculus stellatus sp. n.

Etymology: The species is named after the prominent asteriform or “star-like” mushroom-shaped tubercles and granules on the carapace and chelipeds.

 Peter K. L. Ng and M.-S. Jeng. 2017. Notes On Two Crabs (Crustacea, Brachyura, Dynomenidae and Iphiculidae) Collected from Red Coral Beds in northern Taiwan, including A New Species of Pariphiculus Alcock, 1896. ZooKeys. 694; 135-156. DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.694.14871

New species of crab with unusual outgrowths has its name written in the stars  phy.so/423225938 via @physorg_com

[Crustacea • 2017] Oziotelphusa ravi • A New Species of Freshwater Crab of the Genus Oziotelphusa Müller, 1887 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from Tamil Nadu, southern India

Oziotelphusa ravi,

Raj, Kumar & Ng, 2017

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4363.2.3 

Abstract

A new species of gecarcinucid freshwater crab of the genus Oziotelphusa Müller, 1887, is described from stationary or slow-flowing bodies of water in Keeriparai near Nagercoil, in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Oziotelphusa ravi, new species, is distinguished from its congeners by several distinct characters: the median tooth of the posterior margin of epistome forms a distinct bilobed tip in frontal view, the male pleonal somite 6 is narrowly trapezoidal and slightly wider than long with the lateral margins concave, the terminal segment of the male first gonopod is distinctly bent laterally (along the longitudinal axis) at an angle of about 45°, and the proximal part of the outer margin of the subterminal segment of the male first gonopod has a prominent deep concavity.

Keywords: Crustacea, Taxonomy, new freshwater crab, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, rice fields

Smrithy Raj, Appukuttannair Biju Kumar and Peter K. L. Ng. 2017.  A New Species of Freshwater Crab of the Genus Oziotelphusa Müller, 1887 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from Tamil Nadu, southern India.  Zootaxa. 4363(2); 225–236. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4363.2.3

[Crustacea • 2017] Salangathelphusa peractio • A New Species of Lowland Freshwater Crab (Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae) from Pulau Langkawi, Peninsular Malaysia

Salangathelphusa peractio  Ng, 2017

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.711.20621 

Abstract

A new species of lowland freshwater crab of the family Gecarcinucidae, Salangathelphusa peractio, is described from Langkawi, an island off the northwestern coast of peninsular Malaysia. Salangathelphusa peractio sp. n. can be separated from S. brevicarinata (Hilgendorf, 1882) in having a proportionately broader external orbital tooth, a distinctly concave posterolateral margin, and the terminal segment of the male first gonopod is not distinctly bent laterally outwards; and from S. anophrys (Kemp, 1923) by its more quadrate carapace and the terminal segment of the male first gonopod possessing a relatively longer and less curved distal part. This is sixth wholly freshwater brachyuran species known from the island.

Keywords: Gecarcinucidae, Langkawi Island, Malaysia, new species, Salangathelphusa, taxonomy

Figure 5. Salangathelphusa peractio sp. n., colour in life.
 A–D male (22.4 × 17.7 mm) (ZRC 2017.210) E male (21.9 × 17.3 mm) (ZRC 2017.210), Langkawi. 

Systematics

Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904

Genus Salangathelphusa Bott, 1968

Type species: Parathelphusa salangensis Ortmann, 1893, by original designation.

Salangathelphusa peractio sp. n.

Diagnosis: Carapace subquadrate, broader than long (Fig. 1); external orbital tooth broadly triangular, outer margin twice length of inner margin (Fig. 1); all ambulatory legs relatively short, merus not elongate (Fig. 1A); male pleonal somite 6 subquadrate, lateral margins gently sinuous, distal margin slightly shorter than proximal margin (Fig. 2C); posterolateral margin concave (Fig. 1); G1 with stout subterminal segment, terminal segment with tip directed upwards towards buccal cavity (Fig. 3A–E).

Etymology: The species name is derived from the Latin word “peractio” which means “ending of a story”. It alludes to the discovery of the present freshwater species, arguably the last one the author will describe from Langkawi, ending his 30-year history with the island. Gender feminine.

 Peter K. L. Ng. 2017. Salangathelphusa peractio, A New Species of Lowland Freshwater Crab from Pulau Langkawi, Peninsular Malaysia (Crustacea, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae). ZooKeys. 711; 53-65.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.711.20621

[Crustacea • 2017] Terrapotamon thungwa • A Second New Species of Terrestrial Long-legged Terrapotamon Ng, 1986 (Brachyura: Potamidae) from Karst Forests in Peninsular Thailand

 Terrapotamon thungwa

Promdam, Yeesin & Ng. 2017

ปูเขาหินปูนทุ่งหว้า || RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 65 

 Abstract

 A new species of potamid crab of the genus Terrapotamon Ng, 1986, is described from karst forests in Satun, Peninsular Thailand. Terrapotamon thungwa n. sp. has very long ambulatory legs and superficially resembles T. longitarsus, the only other long-legged species in the genus. They can easily be distinguished by life colouration, carapace features, as well as structures of the epistome, male thoracic sternum, cheliped and male first gonopod. 

Key words: Freshwater crab, new species, Potamidae, Peninsular Thailand, karst, caves, taxonomy

TAXONOMY

Family Potamidae Ortmann, 1896

Subfamily Potamiscinae Bott, 1970, sensu Yeo & Ng, 2004

Genus Terrapotamon Ng, 1986

Terrapotamon thungwa n. sp.

Fig. 1. Terrapotamon thungwa n. sp., colour in life from Satun, Thailand.
A–C, holotype male (44.6 × 35.0 mm) (ZRC 2016.0595).

Fig. 8. Terrapotamon thungwa n. sp., observed in the cave at Ban Namtok Than Plio, Amphoe Thung Wa, Satun, Thailand. A, paratype male (41.1 × 33.3 mm) (PSUZC-CRU-0072).

Fig. 8. Terrapotamon thungwa n. sp., observed in the cave at Ban Namtok Than Plio, Amphoe Thung Wa, Satun, Thailand.  B, C, paratype female (29.4 × 23.8 mm) (PSUZC-CRU-0073).

Fig. 9B, Terrapotamon thungwa n. sp., specimen observed in cave in Ban Namtok Than Plio, Amphoe Thung Wa, Satun, Thailand.

Fig. 6. Terrapotamon longitarsus  Lheknim & Ng, 2016 paratype male (40.8 × 32.5 mm) (PSUZC 20150726-01.01), Satun, Thailand.

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4200.1.6

Etymology. The name is derived from the type locality at Amphoe Thung Wa. The name is used as a noun in apposition. 

Remarks. The long ambulatory legs of T. thungwa n. sp. is a character shared only by one other species of Terrapotamon, T. longitarsus Lheknim & Ng, 2016, also from the Satun area in Peninsular Thailand. It is surprising to find two similar species occurring in the same area, but the differences between the two species are very marked and leave no doubt they are separate taxa. Terrapotamon thungwa can most easily be separated in its bright red overall coloration in life (Figs. 1, 8A) (purple in T. longitarsus; Fig. 6); ....

Habitat. All the specimens of Terrapotamon thungwa were obtained from the karst landscape of Satun. From the material collected, it would appear that the area and habitat where T. thungwa occurs overlaps with T. longitarsus. Both species were found inside and outside the caves as well as in the karst forest. In the dark zone inside the cave, adults of T. thungwa were observed climbing on the cave walls (Fig. 8B, C), with a small specimen observed in a pool on the cave floor (Fig. 9A, B). Up to five specimens have been observed on the cave floor. Adult males of both two species were observed in rock pools at the bottom of deep crevices in the karst forest, while a small specimen of T. longitarsus were seen at a sheltered rock pool near the cave entrance (Fig. 9C, D). The crabs use these collected pools to replenish their gill chambers.

  

Rueangrit Promdam, Pun Yeesin and Peter K. L. Ng. 2017. A Second New Species of Terrestrial Long-legged Terrapotamon Ng, 1986 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Karst Forests in Peninsular Thailand. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 65; 404–415.

lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol65/65rbz404-415.pdf

Vachira Lheknim and Peter K.L. Ng. 2016. A New Species of Long-legged Terrestrial Terrapotamon Ng, 1986 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Limestone Formations in Satun, southern Thailand.  Zootaxa. 4200(1); 143–152. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4200.1.6  ResearchGate.net/publication/311004094_A_new_species_of_Terrapotamon_from_Satun_southern_Thailand