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The results of this study showed that out of 287 individuals (135 males and 152 females) of the spider crab Menaethius monoceros collected from the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, 15 individuals (6 males and 9 females) were infected with Parasacculina pilosella (Van Kampen & Boschma, 1925) (Polyascidae: Rhizocephala: Cirripedia: Crustacea). A total of 20 externae were recorded, including 11 singles, three doubles, and only one triple on the infected crab abdomens. The overall infection rate was 5.23% for the combined sexes at all sites, declined to 4.44% in males, but increased to 5.92% in females, reaching a higher rate of 16.07% in the populations of Marsa Alam and Shalateen sectors during summer. The examined externae have variable colors, sizes, and shapes based on their sexual maturity, which has been classified into four stages: immature or virgin, early mature, maturing, and late (spent externae). The largest number of externae was eight extruded on the 3rd abdominal segment, while it decreased to six, two, and one on the 4th, 2nd and 5th segments, respectively. The size of externae varied from 1.3 × 1.0 × 1.0 to 6.3 × 4.5 × 2.5 mm (Breadth × Height × Thickness). These results showed changes in the external secondary sexual characters of the infected males, represented by the remarkable broadness of the abdomen fringed with marginal setae and invagination of the sternum, but were limited in infected females.

The results of this study showed that out of 287 individuals (135 males and 152 females) of the spider crab Menaethius monoceros collected from the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, 15 individuals (6 males and 9 females) were infected with Parasacculina pilosella (Van Kampen & Boschma, 1925) (Polyascidae: Rhizocephala: Cirripedia: Crustacea). A total of 20 externae were recorded, including 11 singles, three doubles, and only one triple on the infected crab abdomens. The overall infection rate was 5.23% for the combined sexes at all sites, declined to 4.44% in males, but increased to 5.92% in females, reaching a higher rate of 16.07% in the populations of Marsa Alam and Shalateen sectors during summer. The examined externae have variable colors, sizes, and shapes based on their sexual maturity, which has been classified into four stages: immature or virgin, early mature, maturing, and late (spent externae). The largest number of externae was eight extruded on the 3rd abdominal segment, while it decreased to six, two, and one on the 4th, 2nd and 5th segments, respectively. The size of externae varied from 1.3 × 1.0 × 1.0 to 6.3 × 4.5 × 2.5 mm (Breadth × Height × Thickness). These results showed changes in the external secondary sexual characters of the infected males, represented by the remarkable broadness of the abdomen fringed with marginal setae and invagination of the sternum, but were limited in infected females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome and fifteen microsatellite loci for the Chilean kelp crab Taliepus dentatus are reported for the first time. The DNA assembly obtained from an Illumina sequencing revealed a complete mitochondrial genome of 15 603 bp in length. The gene composition and arrangement were similar to that reported for most decapod crabs, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and a non-coding region. A phylogeny performed with 10 species obtained from GenBank placed T. dentatus close to individuals of the Family Epialtidae. From the 6397 repeated sequences encountered in the data, 15 microsatellite loci primers were designed and five tested for variability in specimens obtained from two sampling sites separated by 300 km of distance. The mean number of alleles per locus was nine (5–15 alleles per locus) and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.34 to 0.8. Departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed in two out of the five microsatellites, while none of the loci exhibited significant linkage disequilibrium. This genetic resource will be useful for phylogeny, population genetics and parentage analysis of the commercial species T. dentatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spiny spider crab, Samadinia pulchra (Miers in Tizard, Moseley, Buchanan & Murray, 1885) (type locality: Bohol Sea, Philippines) has long been considered to be widespread in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean, with Anamathia livermorii Wood-Mason in Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891, described from the Andaman Sea, in its synonymy. Reassessment of Samadinia pulchra from throughout its purported range indicates that it comprises a complex of three species: S. pulchra sensu stricto, occurring in the northwestern Pacific, from the South China Sea to Japan; S. livermorii, occurring in the Indian Ocean, ranging from southwestern Indonesia to East Africa; and a new species, S. jimlowryi sp. nov., ranging from northwestern Australia to southeastern Indonesia.

This study documents the occurrence of deep-water spider crab, Paramaya mulli, along the Southwest coast of India. Initially described in 2018 from Tamil Nadu on the east coast, this species was subsequently noted in 2020 in Gujarat on the west coast. The specimen was retrieved from by-catch discarded by commercial fishing trawlers at Sakthikulangara fishing harbour off Kollam, Kerala. Identification as Paramaya mulli was established through a combination of morphological and molecular data. Both 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences from the current specimen were compared with the NCBI sequences of previously identified specimens. Phylogenetic analysis, using mitochondrial gene sequences (16S: OQ456467, OQ456468) from the present specimen and sequences obtained from NCBI GenBank, was conducted to elucidate the relationships of genus Paramaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of Seiitaoides Griffin & Tranter, 1986 (Majoidea: Majidae) are now known from the Indo-West Pacific. A fifth species, Seiitaoides sandyi n. sp., is described here from deeper waters in New Caledonia. This tiny species is most similar to S. orientalis (Sakai, 1961) from the western Pacific, but differs markedly by the shape and armature of the supraorbital eave, carapace regions and plates, as well as structure and proportions of the male thoracic sternum, ambulatory legs and male first gonopod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some morphometric and biological characteristics of a European spider crab, Maja squinado (Herbst, 1788) caught off Aksaz region, (Biga, Çanakkale, Türkiye) were investigated. In addition, an epizoic species infesting this M. squinado specimen has been identified. The crab specimen was caught by a commercial fisherman using trammel nets. Carapace length, carapace width and weight of the crab were 15.9 cm, 14.5 cm, and 1109 g respectively. The specimen was an ovigerous female with a calculated fecundity of 3.48x104 eggs. Eggs were in stage 4th of development and covered the whole carapace region. Additionaly, it was observed that the specimen was infested with the epixoic barnacle Octolasmis angulata (Aurivillius, 1894). A total of 46 O. angulata individuals were observed; 32 from the gill lamellae, and 14 from the carapace. This study reports the existence of the epizoic O. angulata on Maja squinado for the first time in Türkiye.

Abstract Thoe Bell, 1836 is amphi-American in distribution and includes small spider crabs with cryptic habits and rare records in the literature and carcinological collections. The taxonomy of the three recent and two fossil species currently known in the genus has been revised. A phylogenetic reconstruction conducted here based on the mitochondrial markers COI and 16S rRNA supports the monophyletic status of Thoe. The resulting phylogeny suggests a western Atlantic to eastern Pacific radiation of the genus.

The spatial and seasonal distributions of benthic marine organisms are generally linked to the physical and chemical features of the environment. The abundance of Libinia ferreirae Brito Capello, 1871 was analysed in relation to the environmental factors: water temperature (surface and bottom), water salinity (bottom), and substratum (texture and organic matter of the sediment). Samples were collected monthly, from January 1998 to December 1999, in the Ubatumirim (UBM), Ubatuba (UBA) and Mar Virado (MV) Bays, on the northern coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. We caught a total of 213 spider crabs (Ubatumirim = 39; Ubatuba = 53 and Mar Virado = 121). The abundance of L. ferreirae was highest during the spring (October to December) in the three bays. We assume that this result is associated with the entrance of the South Atlantic Central Water during this season, whose features favoured primary productivity and, consequently, displayed a higher food availability for other trophic levels. The lowest number of specimens found during the autumn might be caused by the migration of the population to other sites. The high abundance of L. ferreirae in MV is probably associated with sediment composition, i. e., fine grains which benefit the species' habit of burrowing in the sediment. Hence, the combination of a favourable sediment homogeneity and the highest food availability seems to be effective modulators of the abundance and distribution of L. ferreira in the bays. This investigation elucidates the importance of analysing environmental factors together, to expand knowledge about the study species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poorly known epialtid crab, Hyastenus pleione (Herbst, 1803), from the Indian Ocean is re-described on the basis of the type material. Large sized specimens of a similar looking species from China are here assigned to a new species. The new species differs from H. pleione in having fewer large granules on the carapace, a blunt distal angle of the basal antennal article with the outer margin slightly constricted medially, possessing only one branchial granule along the lateral margin of the carapace, and has a relatively more elongate male first gonopod with the subdistal part weakly dilated. Résumé: L'espèce peu connue de crabe épialtidé Hyastenus pleione (Herbst, 1803), de l'Océan Indien est re-décrite sur la base du matériel type. Des spécimens ressemblants de grande taille de Chine sont assignés ici à une nouvelle espèce. La nouvelle espèce diffère de H. pleione par de plus larges granules sur la carapace, un angle distal aplati de l'article basal de l'antenne avec le bord externe légèrement rétréci au milieu, la présence d'un seul granule branchial le long du bord latéral de la carapace et le premier gonopode mâle relativement plus allongé avec une part sous-distale légèrement dilatée. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, the larval development of Libinia rhomboidea Streets, 1870 under laboratory conditions is described and compared with the description of Libinia spinosa H. Milne Edwards in Guérin, 1832, Libinia dubia H. Milne Edwards, 1834, and Libinia emarginata Leach, 1815 published by other authors. The ovigerous females collected released larvae asynchronously. Two zoeas and one megalopa stage were obtained. Larval development required 13 to 14 days at 20.5 - 22.0°C and 32 - 35 psu of salinity. The differences in L. rhomboidea with respect to the other three species are the following: in the first zoea, the total length and carapace length were greater and the number of setae on the basial endite of the maxillula was different; in the second zoea the size of the endopod and the number of setae on the scaphognathite of the maxilla were greater; in the megalopa, the total length and carapace length were both greater, while the number of setae on the scaphognathite of the maxilla was less. A great similarity between L. rhomboidea and L. dubia was found; however, it is possible to distinguish the larval morphology of L. rhomboidea from the three species compared.

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Three new species and a new genus of majoid crabs from deep waters in the eastern Pacific are described and illustrated using morphological and molecular data. A new species of inachoidid, Collodes anartius sp. n. is described from Peru, which resembles C. tenuirostris Rathbun, 1893, in the general appearance of the carapace, but is distinguished by the details of tubercles on the carapace and thoracic sternum, proportions of the pereopod articles, and bathymetric distribution. A new epialtid, Nibilia machala sp. n., is described from Ecuador; Nibilia A Milne-Edwards, 1878 has, until now, been considered to be monotypic, occurring only in the western Atlantic. This new species, from the eastern Pacific, closely resembles N. antilocapra (Stimpson, 1871) in the general morphology, but can be distinguished by the number of spines on the carapace and pereopods. Another epialtid, Solinca aulix gen. n. et sp. n, is establish for material collected from Ecuador and Peru, and can be easily identified from other taxa by the presence of a deep furrow between the very inflated branchial regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two female specimens of bioinvasive spider crab Acanthonyx euryseroche Griffin & Tranter, 1986 were collected alive in association with brown seaweeds from lower intertidal zone of Buleji (24o50'356"N 66o49'368"E) situated in the vicinity of the largest shipping port along the Karachi coast, Pakistan (Northern Arabian Sea). Collected Acanthonyx euryseroche transported to laboratory and housed in sea water filled glass aquarium for further taxonomic studies. Any previous published record of occurrence of this species is not available from Pakistan. Main feature of this species observed to have seaweeds leafy structures affixed on their head region that they use for camouflage thus hide themselves inside the seaweeds for protection purpose. A. euryseroche has been declared invasive alien species to the Indo-Pak region. Invasive alien species (IAS) spread outside of their natural distribution and considered a threat to indigenous biodiversity. Entry of this alien species in Pakistani water could be destructive to the native species. Hence, occurrence of A. euryseroche requires more rigorous study, monitoring and management plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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, H. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep-water spider crab, Pleistacantha rubida (Alcock, 1895) is known only from the description and figures of the female holotype from the Andaman Sea, and has been variously regarded as a valid species or as a synonym of Pleistacantha oryx (Ortmann, 1893) (type locality: Japan). Pleistacantha rubida is redescribed and refigured based on the holotype and confirmed as a valid species, distinct from P. oryx. Although the two species are similar in most respects, restudy of the holotype of P. rubida shows that it clearly differs from P. oryx in the ornamentation of the anterolateral margins of the buccal cavity and rostral proportions. Pleistacantha rubida is one of three species of the genus known from Indian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Case report; fixed food eruption; Maja squinado; patch test; seafood; spider crab EN Case report fixed food eruption Maja squinado patch test seafood spider crab 510 512 3 11/26/20 20201201 NES 201201 Loli-Ausejo et al1 recently reported one of the few examples of fixed food eruption (FFE) in children that can be found in the literature. Case report, fixed food eruption, Maja squinado, patch test, seafood, spider crab. [Extracted from the article]

The identity of the majid species of Paramaya De Haan, 1837, in the Indian Ocean is clarified with the collection of fresh specimens from the Bay of Bengal. Previously identified as P. spinigera (De Haan, 1837) which is known only from Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, the material from eastern India is here referred to a new species, P. mulli sp. n. The new species can easily be distinguished from all congeners by its relatively shorter pseudorostral and carapace spines, more swollen branchial regions, distinctly granulated male thoracic sternum, and the G1 is not prominently curved with the dorsal projection on the sub distal part short and the tip rounded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to the present study, the spider crab genus Schizophroida Sakai, 1933, included only the type species, S. hilensis Rathbun, 1906 (described from Hawaii but apparently wide-ranging in the western Pacific), and two other Pacific species, S. simodaensis Sakai, 1933 (Japan) and S. moai Ng & Boyko, 2017 (Easter Island). Outside of Hawaii, S. hilensis has been reported from the southwestern Pacific: Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. Review of the southwestern Pacific material showed that Schizophroida from Australia and New Zealand belongs to a separate species, and is described as new to science. The New Caledonian record is based on an incomplete juvenile female, which also appears to be new to science, but is not formally named pending collection of more complete specimens. A second new species of Schizophroida is also described from specimens collected from Taiwan and Guam. A key to the species of Schizophroida is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caribbean king crabMaguimithrax spinosissimusis an important artisanal fisheries resource with a distribution range that includes the Florida Keys and Caribbean Sea islands. We carried out a phylogeographic analysis ofM. spinosissimusin one oceanic (Old Providence) and two continental islands (Rosario and Tintipán). We analysed 89 and 49 Control Region (CR) and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences, respectively. We found genetic differentiation between Old Providence and Rosario + Tintipán units (FSTvalues of 0.84 for CR and 0.91 for COI gene), and gene flow between Rosario and Tintipán (FSTvalues −0.0085 for CR,P > .88; −0.01 for COI gene,P > .99). Our analysis showed two genetic stocks and possibly an isolated biogeographic unit ofM. spinosissimus. We suggest managing the species as different populations, and conducting more ecological and biological studies for the determination of possible cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The nomenclature of the Indo-West Pacific spider crab genus Schizophrys White, 1848 (Majidae) is clarified, including the authorship, date of publication, and type species designation. The nomenclature of the genus is reviewed and species with confused taxonomic identities are discussed. The status of one poorly known species supposedly from the Mediterranean Sea, Schizophrys dichotomus Desmarest, 1823, is clarified. A type specimen of Mithrax asper H. Milne Edwards, 1831, one of the most widely reported Schizophrys species, was rediscovered and is herein designated as the lectotype. Inachus bifidus Marion de Procé, 1822 is here determined to be a synonym of Mithrax asper H. Milne Edwards, 1831, and we invoke Article 23.9.1.1 of the current zoological code to reverse the precedence of the names to conserve Mithrax asper, which is in current and prevailing usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of spider crab, Collodes tuerkayi n. sp., is described and illustrated from the Western Atlantic (Puerto Rico and northern Brazil). The new species superficially resembles C. inermis A. Milne-Edwards, 1878, in the general appearance of the body, but is distinguished by the details of the carapace, thoracic sternum and antennal ornamentation and the proportion of the pereopods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual maturity of the spider crab Libinia ferreirae was assessed for each sex, based on body dimensions and observations of gonad condition. A total of 346 crabs were analysed, of which 68% were females. Immature and adult individuals were recognized based on their allometric growth and gonad development. Abdomen width (AW) vs carapace width (CW) and propodus length (PL) vs CW were the relationships that best separated allometric groups of females and males, respectively. For females, gonad and allometric morphological maturity were, respectively, 38.77 and 39.43 mm of CW, which is close to the carapace size of the smallest ovigerous female (38.08 mm). For males, gonad maturity was 34.86 mm of CW and three allometric phases were observed: immature (IM♂), adolescent (AD♂) and adult morphometrically mature (MM♂). The IM♂ phase showed lower values of CW and PL than the AD♂ phase, without spermatophores inside the vas deferens; the AD♂ phase exhibited higher CW values than IM♂, but lower CW and PL values than the MM♂ phase, and the presence of spermatophores in the vas deferens; the MM♂ phase had higher values of CW and PL than the AD♂ phase and spermatophores in the vas deferens. Therefore, females showed synchronic morphometric, gonadal and functional maturity, while in males, gonadal maturity was attained before morphometric maturity, which probably could be a reproductive strategy for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Zoeas of Leptomithrax edwardsii were reared in the laboratory. Two zoeal stages are described and illustrated. The first zoeal stage of L. edwardsii is compared with those of seven known species of the family Majidae. It differs from previous description in the endopodal setation characters of the maxillule and the second maxilliped. It appears most similar to L. bifidus and Schizophroida simodaensis of the northwestern Pacific. A provisional key for identifying eight majid zoeas is included.

Sizes at maturity, breeding period, and fecundity of the spider crab Leucippa pentagona in Bustamante Bay, Argentina (45.11°S, 66.56°W) were analyzed. Specimens were collected monthly between May 2006 and February 2008. The size at morphometric maturity was determined based on relative changes in cheliped length for males and abdomen width for females. The presence of spermatophores in the male deferent ducts and of eggs in the female abdomens were the criteria used to determine physiological maturity. The temporal variation of the proportion of ovigerous females was analyzed. Oocyte sizes in ovigerous females were measured to evaluate the occurrence of multiple spawnings. In males, the sizes at morphometric and physiological maturity were 28.05 and 16.7 mm carapace length (CL), respectively. In females, the size at morphological maturity was 18.5 mm CL, whereas size at physiological maturity was 18.25 CL. Ovigerous females were found between June and February in both years. Ovigerous females were found to have oocytes with advanced vitellogenesis. Fecundity was similar in both years and varied between 645 and 7114 eggs. The extended breeding period and the presence of vitellogenic oocytes in ovigerous females suggest the occurrence of two or more spawnings per reproductive season. Finally, the distribution range of this species in the Atlantic Ocean was extended from 43.3° to 45.11°S.Se analizó las tallas de madurez sexual, el periodo de ocurrencia de hembras ovígeras y la fecundidad del cangrejo araña Leucippapentagona en Bahía Bustamante, Argentina (45,11°S, 66,56°W). Los ejemplares fueron muestreados mensualmente entre mayo 2006 y febrero 2008. La determinación de la talla de madurez morfométrica se basó en cambios relativos en la longitud del quelípedo y el ancho del abdomen para machos y hembras, respectivamente. La presencia de espermatóforos en el conducto deferente de los machos y de huevos en las hembras fueron los criterios empleados para determinar la madurez fisiológica. Se analizó la variación temporal de la proporción de hembras ovígeras. El tamaño de los oocitos de hembras ovígeras fue medido para evaluar la ocurrencia de desoves múltiples. Las tallas de madurez morfométrica y fisiológica en los machos fueron 28,05 y 16,7 mm de longitud de caparazón (LC), respectivamente. En las hembras, la talla de madurez morfométrica fue 18,5 mm de LC y la de madurez fisiológica fue 18,25 mm de LC. Hembras ovígeras ocurren desde junio a febrero, en ambos años. En hembras ovígeras se encontraron oocitos en vitelogenesis avanzada. La fecundidad fue similar en ambos años y varió entre 645 y 7114 huevos. El prolongado periodo en que las hembras portan huevos y la presencia de hembras ovígeras con oocitos vitelogénicos sugieren la ocurrencia de dos o más desoves durante una temporada reproductiva. Finalmente, se amplía el rango de distribución de esta especie en el océano Atlántico desde 43,30° hasta 45,11°S.

The main goal of this study was the identification of the items of the diet of the L. spinosa, based on the stomach contents analysis. The crabs were obtained from Ubatuba region north-eastern shore of São Paulo State. In the laboratory, all the individuals were dissected, the stomach was retreated and fixed in 10% formaline. The alimentary items were identified under stereomicroscope and analysed by the method of Frequency of Occurrence. A total of 194 stomachs was analysed and nine alimentary items were obtained. Unindentified material was found in 98% of analysed stomach and poriferan were present in less then 1% of stomachs. These results pointed a diversified diet explored by this crab, as well as the employment of some different methods for food intake. This suggested that these crabs could occupy different position in the trophic chain.O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar os itens alimentares que compõem a dieta de L. spinosa, por meio da análise do conteúdo estomacal. Os caranguejos foram coletados no litoral norte paulista (23º25’S-45º00’W). No laboratório, todos indivíduos foram dissecados, os estômagos foram retirados e fixados em formol 10%. Os itens alimentares foram identificados sob estereomicroscópio, sendo que para a análise foi utilizado o método Freqüência de Ocorrência. Foram analisados 194 estômagos, nos quais foram encontrados nove itens alimentares. A maior freqüência foi para material não identificado, ocorrendo em 98% dos estômagos analisados e Porifera foi o item com a menor freqüência, ocorrendo em menos de 1% dos estômagos. Com base nos resultados obtidos, sugere-se que o caranguejo L. spinosa apresenta uma dieta diversificada, sugerindo a utilização de diferentes métodos para a obtenção de alimento e por conseqüência podendo ocupar vários níveis na cadeia trófica.

A new species of Euprognatha Stimpson, 1871 from off coast of Brazil (Canopus Bank, 02º15.3'00"S - 38º16.0'00"W) is described and illustrated, namely Euprognatha limatula n. sp. The new species is compared to its congeners. Lectotypes are designated for E. acuta A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 and E. granulata Faxon, 1893. A key to the species of Euprognatha is provided.Uma nova espécie do gênero Euprognatha Stimpson, 1871 coligida ao largo da costa brasileira (monte submarino Canopus, 02º15.3'00"S - 38º16.0'00"W) é descrita e ilustrada, nomeadamente Euprognatha limatula n. sp. A nova espécie é comparada às suas congêneres. Lectótipos são designados para E. acuta A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 and E. granulata Faxon, 1893. É fornecida uma chave de identificação para as espécies de Euprognatha.

The larval development of the spider crabRochinia gracilipesMilne-Edwards, 1875 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Majoidea: Epialtidae: Pisinae) is described and illustrated from laboratory-reared larvae. Development consisted of two zoeal stages and one megalopa, following the typical pattern in Majoidea. Zoea I ofR. gracilipes, R. debilisandR. carpenteridiffered in lengths of the rostral spine of the carapace, in the number of setae and aesthetascs of several head appendages (exopods of antennules, endopods of maxillules, and endopods and scaphognathites of maxillae) and in the length of posterolateral processes of abdominal somites; lateral carapace spines were present only inR. carpenteriand pleopod buds only inR. debilis. Megalopae ofRochinia gracilipesandR. carpenteridiffered in several notable characters: a dorsal spine and long rostrum of the carapace, as well as spines in coxa and ischium of pereiopods, appeared only inR. carpenteri, and podobranchiae of the 3rd maxilliped appeared only inR. gracilipes; they also differed in setation of abdomen and pleopods. The comparison of the available information on Pisinae larval development suggested that larval morphology would not help to accurately understand the phylogenetic relationships of this subfamily of spider crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Um estudo de distribuição dos macroepizóicos foi realizado numa população do caranguejo-aranha Libinia ferreirae Brito Capello, 1871 proveniente do litoral dos estados do Paraná e de Santa Catarina. O material biológico foi obtido junto aos pescadores, e faz parte do rejeito de pesca. Os caranguejos foram mensurados e os macroepizóicos identificados e contados. Os seguintes macroepizóicos sésseis foram registrados: Calliactis tricolor (Lesueur, 1817) (Cnidaria); Actiniaria (Cnidaria); Arca sp. (Mollusca); Ostreidae (Mollusca); Acanthodesia tenuis (Desor, 1848) (Bryozoa); Cirripedia e duas espécies tubícolas de Gammaridea (Crustacea). Além destes organismos ocorreram dois tubos desabitados e quatro animais vágeis. A anêmona C. tricolor foi a espécie mais abundante e freqüente, sendo, provavelmente, utilizada como mecanismo de camuflagem pelo caranguejo. O macroepizoísmo em L. ferreirae está relacionado com a idade ou tamanho do caranguejo, tendo maior incidência naqueles mais velhos ou de maior porte. Entretanto, a densidade dos macroepizóicos por caranguejo se mantém em torno de três. Não há relação entre o macroepizoísmo e o sexo do hospedeiro; somente fêmeas ovígeras utilizam desse recurso mais freqüentemente do que as não-ovígeras. Devido à maior área de fixação, os macroepizóicos colonizam principalmente a carapaça do caranguejo, enquanto nos pereiópodos há predominância de Bryozoa.A study of the distribution of the macroepizoites was carried out on a population of the spider crab Libinia ferreirae Brito Capello, 1871 from the Southern Brazilian coast. Crabs were obtained from shrimps and fishes by-catch. They were measured, and their macroepizoites were identified and counted. The following sessile macroepizoites were registered: Calliactis tricolor (Lesueur, 1817) (Cnidaria); Actiniaria (Cnidaria); Arca sp. (Mollusca); Ostreidae (Mollusca); Acanthodesia tenuis (Desor, 1848) (Bryozoa); Cirripedia and two species of Gammaridea (Crustacea). The sea anemone C. tricolor was the most frequent species and probably it is used as a mechanism of camouflage by crabs. Macroepizoites on L. ferreirae are related to its age or size, therefore, bigger or older crabs had greater incidence of macroepizoites. However, the density of macroepizoites is about three per crab. There is not a relationship between macroepizoism and sex of the host, but ovigerous females use this resource more frequently than non-ovigerous ones. Due to larger setting area, macroepizoites colonize mainly the carapace of the host; bryozoans predominate in hosts' pereiopods.