[Crustacea • 2024] Sundathelphusa roberti • A New Species of Freshwater Crab (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from Highlands in Batangas, Luzon, Philippines

Sundathelphusa roberti

Ng & Mendoza, 2024

brill.com/view/journals/cr/97/3-4/article-p221_5.xml 

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Abstract

A new species of freshwater crab belonging to a group of species morphologically similar to Sundathelphusa philippina (Von Martens, 1868) is described from highlands in the province of Batangas, southern Luzon, Philippines. Sundathelphusa roberti new species, however, differs from members of this group by the position and strength of the epigastric and postorbital cristae, form of the posterior epistomal margin, shape of the third maxillipeds, and structure of the male first gonopod. The new taxon is the 35th species of Sundathelphusa known from the Philippines.

Keywords: Gecarcinucoidea; comparative taxonomy; description; montane species; Southeast Asia;

 

Sundathelphusa roberti new species

 Peter K. L. Ng and Jose C. E. Mendoza. 2024. A New Species of Freshwater Crab, Sundathelphusa roberti (Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae) from Highlands in Batangas, Luzon, Philippines.  Crustaceana. 97(3-4); 221–233. DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10364

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[Crustacea • 2024] The “Mr. and Mrs. Ghat crab”, Ghatiana dvirupa sp. nov. (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Central Western Ghats of India

 

Ghatiana dvirupa 

 Pati,  Bajantri & Hegde, 2024

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5443.1.6

Abstract

A new species of gecarcinucid freshwater crab, Ghatiana dvirupa sp. nov., is described herein from the Kali Tiger Reserve of the Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka state, India. The Kali Tiger Reserve is a protected area, which is situated in the Central Western Ghats. The new species superficially most resembles Ghatiana sanguinolenta Pati, Thackeray & Pawar, 2023, from Karnataka but can easily be distinguished mainly by its ultimate article of the male first gonopod, which is distally gently curved inwards against the gently outwardly curved distal portion of the ultimate article in the latter species. Ghatiana dvirupa sp. nov. is also compared with the remaining species of the genus from Karnataka and some morphologically related species from Maharashtra. The difference in colour in life has been noticed between males and females of G. dvirupa sp. nov.; as such the common name of the new species is proposed as “Mr. and Mrs. Ghat Crab”. Ghatiana Pati & Sharma, 2014, is now known for 13 species, all from the Western Ghats of India. Karnataka currently possesses six species of Ghatiana, and many new species are yet to be described.

 

Crustacea, Taxonomy, new species, freshwater crab, Karnataka 

Ghatiana dvirupa sp. nov., colour in life: A, holotype male, ZSI-WRC C.2443; B, male, ZSI-WRC C.2447; C, paratype female, ZSI-WRC C.2444; D, paratype female, ZSI-WRC C.2446. Habitats of Ghatiana dvirupa sp. nov.: E, general habitat at type locality; F, male, ZSI-WRC C.2447, in crevice of laterite boulder.
Ghatiana aurantiaca Pati & Sharma, 2014, colour in life: G, crab in its natural habitat during wet season (31 August 2013); H, crab outside of its habitat during dry season (28 November 2011). Figure G is credited to Satyen Mehta, which is modified from inaturalist.org/observations/51882255. 

Sameer Kumar Pati, Parashuram Prabhu Bajantri, Gopalkrishna Dattatraya Hegde. 2024. The “Mr. and Mrs. Ghat crab”, Ghatiana dvirupa sp. nov. (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Central Western Ghats of India.  Zootaxa. 5443(1); 116-126. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5443.1.6

 

[Crustacea • 2024] Lepidothelphusa menneri (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) • First Record of the Genus from Kalimantan, Indonesia

Lepidothelphusa menneri 

Ng & Wowor. 2024 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.2.3

 

Abstract

The gecarcinucid freshwater crab genus, Lepidothelphusa Colosi, 1920, is known only from Sarawak in northern Borneo, with six recognised species i.e. Lepidothelphusa cognettii (Nobili, 1903); L. flavochela Grinang & Ng, 2015; L. limau Grinang & Ng, 2015; L. loi Grinang & Ng, 2015; L. padawan Grinang & Ng, 2015; and L. sangon Grinang & Ng, 2015. The genus is now reported from Indonesian Borneo for the first time, from specimens recently collected from Gunung Kelam in Sintang Regency, Kalimantan Barat Province. Lepidothelphusa menneri n. sp. has a very distinctive tri-coloured pattern in life, unique among congeners. It can also easily be separated from congeners by carapace, epistome, male pleonal and male first gonopod characters.

Crustacea, taxonomy, Gecarcincoidea, new taxon, freshwater crab, western Borneo, Southeast Asia.

Peter K. L. Ng and Daisy Wowor. 2024. Lepidothelphusa menneri n. sp. (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae), First Record of the Genus from Kalimantan, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 5397(2); 218-224. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.2.3

 Researchgate.net/publication/377151155_Lepidothelphusa_menneri_n_sp__first_record_of_the_genus_from_Kalimantan_Indonesia

[Crustacea • 2023] Ghatiana sanguinolenta • A New Species of Freshwater Crab (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Central Western Ghats of India

Ghatiana sanguinolenta

 Pati, Thackeray & Pawar. 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5353.4.4 

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Abstract

Ghatiana sanguinolenta sp. nov. is recognized herein as the twelfth species of the gecarcinucid genus Ghatiana Pati & Sharma, 2014, and the fifth species of the genus from the Karnataka state. This new species of freshwater crab is currently known only from the type locality, which is situated in the Central Western Ghats of India. Ghatiana sanguinolenta sp. nov. can be immediately distinguished from congeners by the outwardly curved ultimate article of the male first gonopod and the dark blood-red colour in life.

Keywords: Crustacea, Decapoda, Gecarcinucoidea, taxonomy, Karnataka

Sameer Kumar Pati, Tejas Thackeray and Swapnil Pawar. 2023. Ghatiana sanguinolenta, A New Species of Freshwater Crab (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Central Western Ghats of India.  Zootaxa. 5353(4); 372-378. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5353.4.4

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timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/ghatiana-sanguinolenta-a-new-crab-species-found-in-w-ghats/articleshow/104413370.cms

[Crustacea • 2023] Aradhya placida • A New Genus and New Species of Freshwater Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Central Western Ghats of India

 

Aradhya placida 

 Pati, Bajantri & Hegde, 2023

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5285.1.7 

 twitter.com/SameerZSI

 

Abstract

A new genus and new species of gecarcinucid freshwater crab, Aradhya placida gen. et sp. nov., is recognized from the northern part of the Central Western Ghats of India. The new genus is diagnosed, and the new species from the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state, is described herein. The new genus most resembles Arcithelphusa Pati & Sudha Devi, 2015, Cylindrotelphusa Alcock, 1909, Rajathelphusa Raj, Kumar & Ng, 2021, and Pavizham Raj, Kumar & Ng, 2022, in having an ovate, relatively narrow and deep carapace, with the front narrow as compared to other Indian gecarcinucid genera. Aradhya gen. nov. is nevertheless separated from those genera by the characters in the carapace, epigastric and postorbital cristae, external orbital angle, cervical grooves, third maxilliped, chelipeds, male thoracic sternites/sternopleonal cavity/pleon, male second gonopod, and especially by the elongated male telson and the stouter ultimate article of the male first gonopod.

Keywords: Crustacea, taxonomy, description, Karnataka 

Aradhya placida gen. et sp. nov., holotype male (25.12 × 19.85 mm) (ZSI-WRC C.2292).
A, overall dorsal view; B, frontal view of cephalothorax; C, overall ventral view. Scale bar = 10 mm.

Aradhya placida gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. The genus is named after Miss Aaradhya Bajantri, the only daughter of the second author of the present paper. “Aradhya” also means “the first one” in Sanskrit. Crabs of this new genus are the first ones among the Indian gecarcinucid crabs observed to be non-aggressive and quite calm. Gender: feminine.

Sameer Kumar Pati, Parashuram Prabhu Bajantri, Gopalkrishna Dattatraya Hegde. 2023. A New Genus and New Species of Freshwater Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Central Western Ghats of India. Zootaxa. 5285(1); 161-175. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5285.1.7

  twitter.com/SameerZSI/status/1623322234533339138

[Crustacea • 2023] Vela bandhavya • A New Freshwater Crab Species of the Genus Vela Bahir & Yeo, 2007 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

Vela bandhavya

Pati, Bajantri & Hegde, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5239.1.5

 facebook.com/SameerKumarPati5 

 

Abstract

Vela bandhavya sp. nov., a new species of gecarcinucid crab is described from the Central Western Ghats, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka state, India. The new species can be immediately distinguished from three other species of Vela Bahir & Yeo, 2007, mainly by its short male sternopleonal cavity and a relatively shorter distal article of the male first gonopod. The diagnosis of Vela is revised to accommodate the new species, and an illustrated identification key is provided for all four species. An anomalous adult male crab, with a pair of pleopods on the pleonal somite 5 in addition to the male gonopods, is also reported.

Keywords: Crustacea, taxonomy, new species, anomalous male crab, identification key.

Sameer Kumar Pati, Parashuram Prabhu Bajantri and Gopalkrishna Dattatreya Hegde. 2023. A New Freshwater Crab Species of the Genus Vela Bahir & Yeo, 2007 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Zootaxa. 5239(1); 112-126. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5239.1.5

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— youtube.com/watch?v=pZ0nZQInP3c

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[Crustacea • 2022] Phricotelphusa sukreei • A New Species of Arboreal Freshwater Crab (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from Thailand

Phricotelphusa sukreei

 Ng,  Yeesin & Promdam, 2022

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 70

ปูมดแดงอาจารย์ซุกรี  ||  facebook.com/SaTPSUPN

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Abstract

 A new species of the gecarcinucid crab genus Phricotelphusa Alcock, 1909 is described from a mountain in Phatthalung, Peninsular Thailand. The new species is arboreal and has very long ambulatory legs and superficially resembles P. aedes from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Peninsular Thailand, but can easily be distinguished by live colouration, carapace features, as well as structures of the epistome and male first gonopod. This is the first report of an arboreal freshwater crab in Thailand. 

Key words. Gecarcinucidae, Phricotelphusa, new species, phytotelm, high mountain, Peninsular Thailand 

   

Phricotelphusa sukreei, new species, forest in high mountains, Srinagarindra District, Phatthalung Province, Peninsular Thailand.
A, habitat at type locality; B, C, paratype male (22.7 × 17.4 mm) (PSUFTM-0001), in natural habitat; D–F, paratype male (23.1 × 18.4 mm) (PSUZC-CRU-0146), live colouration. D, overall dorsal view; E, frontal view of cephalothorax; F, ventral view of cephalothorax, chelae, and ambulatory legs.

Phricotelphusa sukreei, new species

Diagnosis. Carapace subovate, broader than long; dorsal surfaces gently granulose to rugose; branchial regions gently inflated dorsally and laterally; frontal margin not protruding beyond level of external orbital tooth; anterolateral margin distinctly convex; epibranchial tooth spiniform, sharp, separated from external orbital angle by notch; epistome relatively wide longitudinally, lateral part of posterior margin almost straight or gently sinuous; third maxilliped ischium without visible oblique median sulcus; exopod without flagellum, not reaching distal edge of ischium; antennular fossa relatively narrow, rectangular in shape; ambulatory legs very long; male pleon broadly T-shaped, reaching imaginary longitudinal line joining median edge of bases of chelipeds; telson shorter than somite 6 with gently concave lateral margins; G1 relatively long, terminal segment gently curved, relatively longer, cone-shaped, ca. 0.3 times subterminal segment; G2 distal segment ca. 0.3 times length of basal segment.

Etymology. We take pleasure in naming this species after Sukree Hajisime of the Prince of Songkla University. He has been a good friend to the first author for many years, and has been very supportive of his staff in the university, including the two co-authors.  

Genus Phricotelphusa Alcock, 1909 from Thailand: 

ปูน้ำตก Phricotelphusa aedes (Kemp, 1923), 

Phricotelphusa deharvengi Ng, 1988, 

ปูมดแดง Phricotelphusa limula (Hilgendorf, 1882), 

Phricotelphusa ranongi Naiyanetr, 1982

ปูเจ้าฟ้า Phricotelphusa sirindhorn Naiyanetr, 1989 

Phricotelphusa callianira (De Man, 1887) 

Peter K. L. Ng,  Pun Yeesin and Rueangrit Promdam. 2022. Phricotelphusa sukreei, A New Species of Arboreal Freshwater Crab (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from Thailand. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 70; 451–460. 

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http://chm.onep.go.th/doc/Publication/publication6/Brochures/crab/Lobster_shrimp_and_crab.pdf

Peter K. L. Ng พิพิธภัณฑ์ธรรมชาติวิทยา หลี่ กง เฉี่ยน มหาวิทยาลัยแห่งชาติสิงคโปร์ พัน ยี่สิ้น นักวิชาการประมง สาขาวิชาวิทยาการเกษตรและประมง คณะวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์ วิทยาเขตปัตตานี และ เรืองฤทธิ์ พรหมดำ นักวิทยาศาสตร์ พิพิธภัณฑสถานธรรมชาติวิทยา ๕๐ พรรษา สยามบรมราชกุมารี มหาวิทยาลัยสงขลานครินทร์ วิทยาเขตหาดใหญ่ ที่ได้ร่วมกันรายงานการค้นพบ “ปูมดแดงอาจารย์ซุกรี” (Phricotelphusa sukreei) ปูน้ำจืดชนิดใหม่ของโลก ลักษณะเด่น กระดองมีสีแดง ขายาวเป็นพิเศษ พบอาศัยบนต้นไม้เตี้ยๆ กระจายพันธุ์บนเทือกเขาสูงที่มีความชื้นสูง บริเวณคาบสมุทรภาคใต้ของประเทศไทย ตั้งชื่อเพื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ รศ.ดร.ซุกรี หะยีสาแม อดีตคณบดี คณะวิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี  ม.อ. ปัตตานี

[Crustacea • 2022] Ghatiana dvivarna • A New Species of the Freshwater Crab Genus Ghatiana Pati & Sharma, 2014 (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Central Western Ghats, India

Ghatiana dvivarna

Pati, Thackeray, Bajantri & Hegde, 2022

 DOI: 10.1590/2358-2936e2022019 

Abstract

A new species of the freshwater crab genus Ghatiana Pati and Sharma, 2014, is recognized herein from the Karnataka State, India. Ghatiana dvivarna sp. nov. usually inhabits holes in the laterite rocks on the elevated mountains of the Central Western Ghats (south of Goa-Nilgiris). The predominantly white color in life and the characteristic smaller eyes relative to the orbits of the new species easily distinguish it from congeners. Ghatiana dvivarna sp. nov. most resembles Ghatiana pulchra Pati and Thackeray, 2018, but can be differentiated mainly by its relatively more slender terminal segment of the male first gonopod. Ghatiana currently comprises 11 species, now including Ghatiana dvivarna sp. nov.

Keywords: Crustacea; Decapoda; Gecarcinucoidea; Karnataka; Oriental region; taxonomy

Superfamily Gecarcinucoidea Rathbun, 1904

Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904

Ghatiana Pati and Sharma, 2014

Type species. Ghatiana aurantiaca Pati and Sharma, 2014, by original designation; gender feminine.

Remarks. The genus is characterized by the combination of the following morphological characters: the frontal margin is relatively narrow; the first and second maxillipeds each possesses a distinct flagellum on the exopod; the flagellum on the relatively longer exopod of the third maxilliped is absent; the male pleon is relatively stouter, with a relatively squarish pleonite somite 6; the male telson is elongated; G1 is relatively stouter and shorter; G2 is very short, with a very short distal segment (Pati and Thackeray, 2018; 2021).

Ghatiana dvivarna sp. nov., color in life.
A, Holotype male (24.66 × 13.61 mm) (ZSI-WRC C.2075);
B, paratype female (29.97 × 15.98 mm) (ZSI-WRC C.2076).

Ghatiana dvivarna sp. nov., holotype male (24.66 × 13.61 mm) (ZSI-WRC C.2075).
A, Overall dorsal view; B, overall frontal view; C, overall ventral view. Scale bar = 10 mm.

Ghatiana dvivarna sp. nov. 

 

Type locality. India, Karnataka State, Uttara Kannada District, Bare, 1..., alt. 656 m.

Diagnosis. Carapace in adult proportionately broad (CW/CL = 1.7-1.9), strongly arched (CH/CL = 0.7) (Figs. 3A, B, 5A, B, 7B); lateral margins strongly convex (Figs. 3A, 5A, 7B); anterolateral margins relatively short, cristate (Figs. 3A, 5A, 7B); epibranchial tooth visible as weak notch (Figs. 3A, 5A); branchial regions rugose (Figs. 3A, 5A); frontal margin relatively close to anterior margin of epistome, hiding antennular fossae (Figs. 3B, 5B, 7A). Eyes small relative to orbits; each eye with relatively slender eyestalk (Figs. 3B, 5B, 7A). First, second maxillipeds each with short flagellum on exopod; third maxilliped lacking flagellum on exopod (Fig. 4A). Chelipeds in both males and females highly unequal, with pointed fingertips (Figs. 3A-C, 5A, B, 7E); major chela with relatively slender palm (Figs. 4B, 7E); ventral margin of fixed finger and distal half of palm of major chela gently concave (Figs. 4B, 7E). Ambulatory legs relatively short (P3 length/CL = approximately 2.0) (Figs. 3A, 5A). Male pleonal somite 6 subquadrate, slightly broader than long (Figs. 3C, 4C). Male telson elongated (Figs. 3C, 4C). G1 relatively slender, almost straight; terminal segment relatively slender, straight, relatively long, approximately 0.5 times length of subterminal segment; subterminal segment relatively slender (Figs. 4D, E, 7C). G2 very short, with very short distal segment (Fig. 4F). Female pleon and telson in adult broadly subtriangular (Fig. 5C). Vulvae in adult relatively closely positioned (VD/SW = approximately 0.2), each subovate in shape, relatively large, occupying approximately 0.5 times length of s6, positioned close to s5/s6 (Figs. 5D, 7D).

Etymology. The specific epithet, dvivarna, is derived from the Sanskrit for ‘bicolor’, referring to the crab's colour in life, which mainly consists of two colours (white and red-violet). The name is conceived here as a noun in apposition.

Ghatiana dvivarna sp. nov.
A, View of the general habitat at the type locality;
B, a crab in its natural habitat; C, a crab while feeding on the mosses growing on a laterite rock.

 

Ecological notes. The species inhabits elevated mountains of the Central Western Ghats in rocky outcrops with grassy vegetation (Fig. 6A). The holes (25-50 mm in diameter) in the laterite rocks are their natural habitat (Fig. 6B) (see youtu.be/d4lf_DoOwtQ). Individuals can also take shelter underneath small boulders. These crabs are generally seen during the monsoon (June-September). They are mostly active during the twilight. As many as 30-40 crabs/500 m2 can be seen during this time when the weather is very cloudy with precipitation or mist. Their activities minimize when rain halts, and the crabs during this time can be found in the rocky holes filled with rainwater. Some crabs were seen eating mosses growing on laterite rocks (Fig. 6C). Females carrying juvenile crabs were observed in the rocky holes.

Sameer Kumar Pati, Tejas Thackeray, Parashuram Prabhu Bajantri and Gopalkrishna Dattatraya Hegde. 2022. A New Species of the Freshwater Crab Genus Ghatiana Pati and Sharma, 2014 (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Central Western Ghats, India.  Nauplius. 30 • DOI: 10.1590/2358-2936e2022019  

[Crustacea • 2022] Brachyuran Crabs (Decapoda) in the Limestone Caves of Thailand, with A Checklist of Freshwater Cave-dwelling Crabs in Southeast Asia

Habitus of cave-dwelling crabs in the northern and western Thailand. 

A: Pupamon sp. ♀  

B: Stelomon erawanense ♂ 

D: Kanpotamon duangkhaei ♂ 

A: Sayamia germaini ♂ 

B: Siamthelphusa acutidens ♂ 

C: Indochinamon lipkei ♂  

in Promdam, Ellis & Jantarit, 2022.

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Abstract

 Freshwater brachyuran crabs in the limestone caves of northern and western Thailand were studied. Overall, 65 caves in nine provinces were investigated. The crabs obtained were referred to six species of six genera in two families. A checklist and the distribution of freshwater cave-dwelling crabs in Thailand and Southeast Asia are also provided. In Thailand at least 16 species of 14 genera in two families are recognized. On a broader scale, a total of at least 70 cave-dwelling crab species of 36 genera in three families are recorded in Southeast Asia. The majority are in the family Gecarcinucidae (14 genera, 43 species), followed by the families Potamidae (19 genera, 24 species) and Hymenosomatidae (3 genera, 3 species). The troglofaunal status for each species is also given. 

Key words: distribution, freshwater crabs, karst, Southeast Asia, subterranean environment, troglomorphy 

Habitus of cave-dwelling crabs in the northern and western Thailand. 

A: Pupamon sp. ♀  

B: Stelomon erawanense ♂ 

D: Kanpotamon duangkhaei ♂ 

A: Sayamia germaini ♂ 

B: Siamthelphusa acutidens ♂ 

C: Indochinamon lipkei ♂  

Rueangrit Promdam, Martin Ellis and Sopark Jantarit. 2022. Brachyuran Crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda) in the Limestone Caves of Thailand, with A Checklist of Freshwater Cave-dwelling Crabs in Southeast Asia. Edaphologia. 110: 1–17. 

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สำหรับชนิดของปูน้ำจืดที่พบในถ้ำในประเทศไทย จากการรวบรวมรายงานการพบในปัจจุบันมีทั้งสิ้น 16 ชนิด จาก 14 สกุล และ 2 วงศ์ ส่วนใหญ่จะเป็นกลุ่มชนิดที่ประชากรโดยทั่วไปอาศัยอยู่ภายนอกถ้ำ แต่มีการปรับตัวเข้าไปใช้ถ้ำเป็นแหล่งหลบภัยและแหล่งหากิน โดยยังไม่ได้มีการปรับเปลี่ยนรูปร่างไปเป็นสัตว์ถ้ำแท้ (troglobite หรือ stygobite) โดยมีบางชนิดที่มีลักษณะที่ผ่านการวิวัฒนาการให้อาศัยอยู่ในถ้ำได้เป็นอย่างดีด้วยลักษณะของขาที่เรียวยาวมาก กระดองค่อนข้างแบน และมีด้านบนแบนราบ ได้แก่ ปูถ้ำอาจารย์ไพบูลย์ Phaibulamon stilipes ปูเขาหินปูนอาจารย์สุรพล Kanpotamon duangkhaei ปูถ้ำพิทักษ์ Thampramon tonvuthi, ปูเขาหินปูนสตูล Terrapotamon longitarsus และ ปูเขาหินปูนทุ่งหว้า T. thungwa ซึ่งอาศัยลักษณะพิเศษนี้ในการปีนป่ายหิน และแทรกตัวผ่านรอยแตกของหินปูนเข้าไปในถ้ำได้ ปูเหล่านี้ถูกจัดอยู่ในกลุ่มที่เรียกว่า troglophile หรือ stygophile ในชนิดของไทยดังกล่าวนี้ การค้นพบปูเขาหินปูนอาจารย์สุรพลนับเป็นการรายงานการพบครั้งที่ 2 หลังจากที่มีรายงานครั้งแรกเมื่อเมื่อปีพ.ศ. 2536 ส่วนภาพรวมในประเทศของเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้รวมที่พบในประเทศไทยสามารถรวบรวมรายชื่อปูน้ำจืดที่พบในถ้ำได้ทั้งสิ้น 70 ชนิด จาก 36 สกุล และ 3 วงศ์ โดยมีจำนวนชนิดที่พบในประเทศฟิลิปปินส์ และมาเลเซียประเทศมากที่สุดประเทศล่ะ 17 ชนิด ซึ่งนับว่าประเทศไทยก็มีรายงานจำนวนชนิดไม่แตกต่างกันมากนัก

อย่างไรก็ตามทั้งในประเทศไทยและประเทศเพื่อนบ้านยังคงมีแหล่งถ้ำหินปูนอีกมากมายที่ยังไม่ถูกสำรวจ หรือแม้แต่มีการสำรวจแล้วแต่ยังไม่ละเอียดทั่วถึงและไม่ครอบคลุมฤดูกาล ทำให้คาดว่ายังคงมีชนิดปูที่อาศัยในถ้ำตกสำรวจอีกหลายชนิด ทั้งที่เป็นปูถ้ำแท้และที่ใช้ถ้ำเป็นแหล่งพักพิงชั่วคราว การสำรวจและศึกษาวิจัยปูถ้ำของนายเรืองฤทธิ์ และผศ.ดร. โสภาค จึงยังไม่สิ้นสุดที่บทความตีพิมพ์ฉบับนี้ ล่าสุดจากการสำรวจอุโมงค์ที่ถูกขุดขึ้นในเขาหินปูนในจ.กาญจนบุรี ได้พบปูน้ำจืดที่มีลักษณะขาเรียวยาวเพิ่มเติมอีกชนิดภายในอุโมงค์ ซึ่งมีลักษณะแตกต่างจากชนิดที่พบได้ทั่วไปในพื้นที่เดียวกัน ขณะนี้อยู่ในระหว่างการตรวจสอบทางอนุกรมวิธานร่วมกับผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้านปูน้ำจืดชาวสิงคโปร์ 

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[Crustacea • 2021] Mekhongthelphusa menglongensis • A New Species of Freshwater Crab of the Genus Mekhongthelphusa Naiyanetr, 1994 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from south Yunnan, China

 Mekhongthelphusa menglongensis 

Pan, Yeo & Sun, 2021

 DOI: 10.1590/2358-2936e2021050   

 

Abstract

A new gecarcinucid freshwater crab, Mekhongthelphusa menglongensis sp. nov., is described from Menglong Town, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This is the first report of the mainly Indochinese genus Mekhongthelphusa Naiyanetr, 1994, in China. The new species can be distinguished morphologically from the other four nominal species in this genus by its carapace and male first gonopod. The mitochondrial 16S sequences of this new species are provided and the phylogenetic position of the genus is discussed.

Keywords: 16S rDNA; Indochina; morphology; taxonomy; Xishuangbanna

Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904

Genus Mekhongthelphusa Naiyanetr, 1994

 

Mekhongthelphusa menglongensis sp. nov., holotype male (35.1 × 30.4 mm) (NNU 16C-MM01)
(A-F, H); paratype female (34.7 × 28.9 mm) (NNU 16C-MM03), (G, I). A, Male dorsal view; B, male ventral view; C, male front view; D, male major cheliped; E, male minor cheliped; F, male pleon; G, female pleon; H, male sterno-pleonal cavity; I, female thoracic sternum and vulvae. Scale bars = 1 cm.

 Mekhongthelphusa menglongensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Carapace trapezoidal, slightly broader than long, dorsal surface smooth, slightly convex; posterolateral margins gently converging; H-shaped groove distinct; epigastric cristae distinctly anterior of postorbital cristae, outer edge slightly overlapping inner edge of postorbital cristae; postorbital cristae distinct, entire, sharp, very gently sinuous, curving obliquely posterolaterally, reaching but not confluent with base of third epibranchial teeth; anterolateral margin with 3 distinct epibranchial teeth. Third maxilliped ischium rectangular, pitted; exopod long, reaching beyond midpoint of merus, with long, well-developed flagellum. Male pleon T-shaped, somites 5 and 6 together constricted medially, with lateral margins concave. Male chelipeds strongly asymmetrical, cutting edge lined with small, rounded teeth, gap distinct when fingers closed. G1 strongly curved outwards, distal part slender, tip longitudinally twisted, slightly bent, distinctly hooked in appearance, basal part dilated up to least half length of G1, with broadest part approximately one-third length of G1.

Etymology. The species name is derived from the type locality, Menglong Town, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China.

Habitat. Specimens were found in a small gravel-bed river, slightly turbid, slow flowing, about 5 m in width. The crabs were collected from the middle of the river.

Distribution. The species is so far only known from Menglong Town, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China.

Da Pan, Darren C.J. Yeo and Hongying Sun. 2021. On A New Species of Freshwater Crab of the Genus Mekhongthelphusa Naiyanetr, 1994 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from south Yunnan, China. Nauplius. 29; DOI: 10.1590/2358-2936e2021050   

[Crustacea • 2021] Five New Species of Freshwater Crabs of the Genera Ghatiana and Sahyadriana (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Western Ghats of India

Ghatiana durrelli & G. rouxi, 
 Sahyadriana rouxi, S. inopinata, S. keshari & S. tamhini

Pati & Thackeray, 2021

 sciencepress.mnhn.fr

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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

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 

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. 

 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.

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

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