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| Ghatiana durrelli & G. rouxi, Sahyadriana rouxi, S. inopinata, S. keshari & S. tamhini Pati & Thackeray, 2021 instagram.com/TUThackeray |
We recognize two new species of Ghatiana Pati & Sharma, 2014, and three new species of Sahyadriana Pati & Thackeray, 2018, from the Western Ghats of India. Ghatiana durrelli n. sp. is characterized mainly by the proportionately narrower adult carapace, the relatively broader male pleonal somite 6, and the relatively stouter terminal segment of the male first gonopod. Ghatiana rouxi n. sp. is differentiated from congeners by its proportionately narrower adult carapace with the gently convex lateral margins. Sahyadriana inopinata n. sp. is characterized by a suite of characters that includes the visible epibranchial tooth, the relatively slenderer and longer terminal segment of the male first gonopod, and the subovate and relatively smaller adult vulva that is positioned a clear distance from the suture between thoracic sternites 5 and 6. Sahyadriana keshari n. sp. differs from the allied S. waghi (Pati in Pati, Thackeray & Khaire, 2016) by the relatively stouter terminal segment of the male first gonopod, and the relatively larger adult vulva, which is positioned close to the suture between thoracic sternites 5 and 6. Sahyadriana tamhini n. sp. most resembles S. alcocki (Pati in Pati, Thackeray & Khaire, 2016) but can be differentiated by its relatively longer, distally distinctly narrow terminal segment and the sinuous inner margin of the subterminal segment of the male first gonopod, and the relatively closely positioned and larger adult vulvae. Ghatiana and Sahyadriana now include 10 species and 13 species, respectively. An updated key is provided for both genera.
Keywords: Crustacea, Gecarcinucidae, India, Western Ghats, new species
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| Colour in life: A, Ghatiana durrelli n. sp., ♀ from Amba; B, Ghatiana durrelli n. sp., ♂ from type locality; C, Ghatiana rouxi n. sp., ♂ from Chorla; D, Sahyadriana inopinata n. sp., ♂ from type locality; E, Sahyadriana keshari n. sp., ♂ from type locality; F-H, Sahyadriana tamhini n. sp., all ♂ from type locality and its vicinity. The photographed specimens could not be collected. |
Superfamily Gecarcinucoidea Rathbun, 1904
Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904
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| A, Ghatiana durrelli n. sp., ♀ from Amba; B, Ghatiana durrelli n. sp., ♂ from type locality; C, Ghatiana rouxi n. sp., ♂ from Chorla; D, Sahyadriana inopinata n. sp., ♂ from type locality. |
Genus Ghatiana Pati & Sharma, 2014
Ghatiana Pati & Sharma, 2014: 1281.
Type species. — Ghatiana aurantiaca Pati & Sharma, 2014,
by original designation; gender feminine.
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| Ghatiana durrelli n. sp., ♀ from Amba. |
Ghatiana durrelli n. sp.
Etymology. — The species name honours British naturalist, Gerald Malcolm Durrell for his in situ and ex situ conservation efforts. The specific epithet is thus conceived as a noun in the genitive singular.
Ecological notes. — Ghatiana durrelli n. sp. is a nocturnal crab and is found in tree trunk holes and in holes or crevices of laterite rocks (locally known as “Jambha”). The species occurs at elevated mountains (840-940 m altitude). Some individuals were observed feeding on dead millipedes.
Ghatiana rouxi n. sp.
Etymology. — The species is named after the Swiss zoologist, Dr Jean Roux for his contributions on the study of crabs of the Western Ghats. The species name is conceived as a noun in the genitive singular.
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| E, Sahyadriana keshari n. sp., ♂ from type locality; F-H, Sahyadriana tamhini n. sp., all ♂ from type locality and its vicinity. |
Genus Sahyadriana Pati & Thackeray, 2018
Sahyadriana Pati & Thackeray, 2018: 46.
Type species. — Sahyadriana sahyadriensis Pati & Thackeray, 2018, by original designation; gender feminine.
Sahyadriana inopinata n. sp.
Etymology. — The species name is an adjective in the Latin nominative singular meaning unexpected, referring to the unexpected discovery of the species from the type locality of a congener, i.e., S. triangulus (Pati & Sharma, 2014).
Sahyadriana keshari n. sp.
Etymology. — The species name, derived from the Marathi language for orange coloured, refers to live colouration of the crab. The name is used as a Latin noun in apposition.
Sahyadriana tamhini n. sp.
Etymology. — The species is named after the type locality, Tamhini Ghat, a hotspot for wildlife in Maharashtra that hosts rich biodiversity and many endemic species, including that of the freshwater crabs. The species name is used as a Latin noun in apposition.
Sameer K. Pati and Tejas U. Thackeray. 2021. Five New Species of Freshwater Crabs of the Genera Ghatiana Pati & Sharma, 2014 and Sahyadriana Pati & Thackeray, 2018 from India (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae). ZOOSYSTEMA. 43(26); 627-647. sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/zoosystema/43/26
