Larval development of the spider crab Menaethius monoceros (Latreille, 1825), (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Epialtidae)

Author(s)

Colavite, Jessica ; Santana, William ; Pohle, Gerhard

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Natural History; v. 48, n. 37-38, p. 20-pg., 2014-01-01.

Abstract

The larval development of the spider crab Menaethius monoceros (Latreille, 1825) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Majoidea: Epialtinae) is described and illustrated from laboratoryreared larvae. The development consisted of two zoeal stages and one megalopa, following the typical pattern in Majoidea. The duration of the first zoeal stage was 411 days, the second zoea appearing 512 days and the megalopa 1018 days after hatching. Both zoeal stages of Menaethius monoceros have a distinct setation on the distal segment of the endopod of maxilliped II. In the megalopa only the setation of the exopod of the antennule is diagnostic among Epialtinae. Comparative analysis revealed that some of the previous descriptions are probably not those of Menaethius monoceros. Based on existing limited information no single morphological feature, or set of features, is apparent that characterizes epialtine larvae. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/20564-3 - Larval morphology of Menaethius monocero (Latreille, 1825) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) and a review of the larval characters of Epialtidae
• Grantee: Jéssica Colavite
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 13/01201-0 - Biodiversity and endemic patterns of Majoidea (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) in Brazil
• Grantee: William Ricardo Amancio Santana
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants