Morphology of the larval stages of Pitho aculeata (Gibbes, 1850) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Majoidea) and its implications on the taxonomic position of the genus. Issue 8 (13th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santana, William; Colavite, Jessica; Bolaños, Juan; Hernández, Jesús E.; Canepa, Miguel
• Is Part Of: Marine biology research. Volume 12:Issue 8(2016)
• Page Start: 854
• Page End: 863
• Publication Date: 2016-09-13
• Subjects: Matz Berggren; Decapoda -- Epialtidae -- larval development; Mithracidae -- ontogeny; Tychinae; Marine biology -- Periodicals; Marine biology -- North Atlantic Ocean -- Periodicals; 578.7705
• DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2016.1209524
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-1000

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The larval development of Pitho aculeata is described and illustrated in detail. The characters described are used to discuss recent molecular phylogenetic findings suggesting that Pitho is a genus in Mithracidae sensu stricto . Based on species with known larval development, our results indicate that Pitho shares more similarities with mithracids than epialtids and therefore it should be included in the former family. Presently, there appear to be no diagnostic characteristics for the zoeal stages; however, for the megalopa the fused antennal articles 5 and 6 and the distinct number of setae on the abdominal somites 1–5 can be used to differentiate Pitho from other majoideans.