The reproductive system of Limnopilos naiyanetri indicates a thoracotreme affiliation of Hymenosomatidae (Decapoda, Eubrachyura). Issue 5 (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kienbaum, Katja; Vehof, Juliane; Becker, Carola; Scholtz, Gerhard
• Is Part Of: Arthropod structure & development. Volume 47:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 513
• Page End: 520
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Seminal receptacle -- Glandular epithelium -- Expandable cuticle -- Bursa -- Gonopods -- Sternal gonopore; Arthropoda -- Morphology -- Periodicals; Arthropoda -- Anatomy -- Periodicals; Arthropoda -- Cytology -- Periodicals; Arthropods -- growth & development -- Periodicals; 595
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2018.06.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-8039

Abstract

Abstract: The eubrachyuran Hymenosomatoidea is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions ranging from marine to freshwater habitats. Even though the biology of this taxon has been studied to some extent, its phylogenetic relationships are not resolved. Based on different morphological characters, some authors suggested a close affinity of hymenosomatid crabs to heterotremes. However, many of these characters are ambiguous, and the few molecular studies did not provide convincing solutions either. To address this issue, we studied the reproductive system of the hymenosomatid freshwater species Limnopilos naiyanetri Chuang and Ng, 1991 using histology and scanning electron microscopy. The females show the characteristic organization of the paired eubrachyuran reproductive system. Additionally, a bursa (an accessory sperm storing cuticle cavity) is present. The male copulatory system is characterized by paired long first and short second gonopods, and a pair of sternal gonopores equipped with a penis. Both, the female and male reproductive organs reveal a number of similarities to thoracotreme crabs. The seminal receptacle is lined by a very thin cuticle and by a mono-layered glandular epithelium. The male gonopods and the sternal genital opening also resemble the thoracotreme condition. Thus, our results indicate that Hymenosomatidae are most likely part of the Thoracotremata. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Hymenosomatid reproductive system indicates a thoracotreme affiliation. Mono-layered glandular epithelium part of female seminal receptacle. Additional sperm storage cuticle cavity, the bursa in female L. naiyanetri . Male sternal gonopores and gonopod size relation are thoracotreme character states.