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| Binhthuanomon vinhtan
Do, Le & Phan, 2015
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Abstract
A new genus and new species of semi-terrestrial crab of the family Potamidae, Binhthuanomon vinhtan n. sp., is described from south central Vietnam. The new genus is morphologically closest to Villopotamon Dang & Ho, 2003, and Balssipotamon Dang & Ho, 2008, in the shapes of the carapace and first gonopod but is easily distinguished by distinct carapace characteristics and gonopod 1 structures, and the habitat occupied.
Keywords: Crustacea, Binhthuanomon, new genus, new species, endangered species, conservation, Vietnam
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photo: Phan Doãn Đăng VNCreatures.net
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Etymology. The genus is named after the location, the province of Binh Thuan, in combination with the genus name Potamon. The gender is neuter. The new species is named after the type locality, Vinh Tan. The name is used as a noun in apposition.
Coloration. Carapace, abdomen and ambulatory legs reddish brown, chelipeds with magenta color.
Ecological notes. This species inhabits forested mountain areas (Figs. 5A–C). The crabs were found living in vertical burrows, beneath large rocks or under fallen trees, near one stream bank (Figs. 6A, B). Few individuals were also found in the stream, however. It is believed that this species spends almost all of their time in terrestrial environments. Indeed, the more terrestrial habit is usually associated with freshwater crabs with a high and swollen carapace (Yeo & Ng, 2005). The crabs are usually active in the evening until early morning. In the evening, the stream area is usually covered by fog and therefore very humid. It is very difficult to find the crabs in the dry season. The best time to collect them is during the rainy season, especially after heavy rain. The crabs feed primarily on insects and plants along streams.
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Do, Van-Tu, V. T. Le and Doan D. Phan. 2015. Binhthuanomon vinhtan, A New Genus and New Species of Semi-Terrestrial Freshwater Crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from south central Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4052(1): 117–126. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4052.1.6
