Larval development and first crab of Mithraculus sculptus (Decapoda: Brachyura: Majoidea: Mithracidae) described from laboratory-reared material

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 1133-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew L. Rhyne ◽  
Yoshihisa Fujita ◽  
Ricardo Calado

The present work describes the complete larval development of Mithraculus sculptus (two zoeal stages, the megalopa) and the first crab instar from laboratory cultured material. The larval morphology is compared with other descriptions currently available for the Mithrax–Mithraculus complex: Mithraculus coryphe, M. forceps, Mithrax hispidus, M. pleuracanthus, M. spinosissimus and M. verrucosus. Although the different species of the Mithrax–Mithraculus complex display uniform morphological characters, the first zoeal stage of M. sculptus differs from other species in the setal meristics of the carapace and the number of aesthetascs of the antennule. The second zoeal stage differs in the number of aesthetascs of the antennule and the number of setae in the distal margin of the coxal endite of the maxillule. The megalopa of M. sculptus can be distinguished by the presence of 3–4 aesthetascs and a simple seta in the distal segment of the antennule. The morphological differences between the larvae from the genus Mithrax and Mithraculus are insufficient to support the separation of the two genera using adult morphology. Future studies should address in detail setal meristics.

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4990 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-200
Author(s):  
SIMONE MARIA DE ALBUQUERQUE LIRA ◽  
CYNTHIA DAYANNE MELLO DE LIMA ◽  
IGOR DE ÁVILA TEIXEIRA ◽  
RALF SCHWAMBORN

The objective of this paper is to describe and illustrate the first zoeal stage of the largest land crab of the Tropical Atlantic, Johngarthia lagostoma (Milne Edwards, 1837) (Brachyura: Gecarcinidae). A larval description of J. lagostoma was previously not available. Larvae were obtained from ovigerous females on Rocas Atoll and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. Twenty larvae were randomly chosen to be dissected and described in detail, while 40 others (20 larvae from each island) were measured only. The published description of the congener J. planatus (Stimpson, 1860) larvae was used for a comparison of larval morphology. Some morphological differences between the first zoeal stage of these two species were: The absence or presence of a simple shorter seta on antennule, number of the minute terminal spines on the antenna, setation of the coxal endite of the maxilla, exopod unsegmented of the first and second maxilliped, and a single mid-dorsal seta on first pleonite. These results and differences observed between these species can assist in studies on phylogenetic relationships within the Family Gecarcinidae MacLeay, 1838, as well as in the identification of the larvae of J. Lagostoma in plankton samples from the tropical Atlantic.  


Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4838 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-82
Author(s):  
RAFAEL C. SANTOS ◽  
RÉGIS A. PESCINELLI ◽  
ROGERIO C. COSTA

Herein, the Zoea I of Synalpheus apioceros is described, followed by a comparative analysis of the first larval stage from Synalpheus. Larvae were obtained from two ovigerous females sampled in Ubatuba, São Paulo. The morphology of the Zoea I of S. apioceros was compared to five other Synalpheus species whose structures were previously described: S. biunguiculatus, S. minus, S. neomeris, S. pectiniger, and S. tumidomanus. A set of unique morphological characteristics was found for S. apioceros: exopod of antennule with 4 aesthetascs and 1 plumose seta; coxal endite of maxillule with 2 simple setae plus 2 plumose setae; basial endite of maxillule with 2 simple setae plus 2 short spines; endopod of maxillule with 1 plumose seta plus 2 simple setae; basial endite of maxilla bilobed with 2 (1 plumose and 1 simple) + 2 (1 plumose and 1 simple) setae; coxal endite of maxilla bilobed with 2 + 1 plumose setae; endopod of maxilla with 3 (1 plumose and 2 simple) terminal setae + 2 simple setae; endopod of first maxilliped unsegmented with 3 terminal simple setae; basis of first maxilliped with 5 spines; endopod of second maxilliped 5-segmented with 0, 0, 0, 1 plumodenticulate, 4 (1 serrate + 3 simple) setae; endopod of third maxilliped 5-segmented with 0, 0, 0, 1 simple, 3 simple setae; pereiopods 1st to 3rd birramous and 4th and 5th uniramous. S. apioceros shows higher morphological similarity with S. minus, followed by S. tumidomanus, S. neomeris and S. pectiniger, probably since these species present extended larval development. Besides the similar morphology among species, the unique attributes presented here are important for the genus’ taxonomy, being fundamental for identifying the first larval stages of Synalpheus, as well as for subsidizing information for species identification keys. 


Crustaceana ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 90 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1337-1350
Author(s):  
Rony R. R. Vieira ◽  
Cleverson R. M. Santos ◽  
Arthur Anker

The first zoeal stage of the freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium surinamicum Holthuis, 1948 is described and illustrated based on hatchlings from an ovigerous female, collected in Rio Campupema, Abaetetuba, in the northern Brazilian state of Pará, and compared with the first zoeae of several other species of the genus occurring in Brazil. Although the first zoeae of the different species of Macrobrachium are morphologically very similar, they can still be separated by a combination of morphological characters but only M. surinamicum has one smooth seta on the maxillular endopod. Although a complete larval series of M. surinamicum presently remains unknown, as pereiopods 3-5 and pleopods are absent, the outcome of this study suggests that the larval development of this species is extended and includes at least seven larval stages.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
João Alberto Farinelli Pantaleão ◽  
Fernando Luis Mantelatto ◽  
Rogério Caetano Costa

Abstract: A complete and detailed description of the first zoeal stage of Ogyrides occidentalis is provided. Larvae were obtained in the laboratory from a female with embryos collected in Ubatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The morphological characters are compared with previous description of the close related O. alphaerostris. Despite of some similarities (number of appendages, pleonites, and setae on the majority of appendages) substantial differences were found between the two species, as the size of larvae and rostrum and segmentation of some structures (antenna exopod, first maxilliped coxa and basis). However, these differences must be interpreted carefully because larval description of O. alphaerostris was conducted before the proposed standardization for decapod larval morphology descriptions. The present larval description furnished additional information to corroborate the recent resurrection of O. occidentalis and will be useful for future comparative and ecological research.


Zootaxa ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2624 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARIANA TEROSSI ◽  
JOSE A. CUESTA ◽  
INGO S. WEHRTMANN ◽  
FERNANDO L. MANTELATTO

The aim of this study was to summarize the available data on larval morphology of the first zoea of the family Hippolytidae and describe the first zoeal stage of H. obliquimanus from two geographically distinct populations, Brazilian and Caribbean in order to discuss interand intraspecific variability. Ovigerous females of Hippolyte obliquimanus were collected at Cahuita (Limón, Costa Rica) and at Ubatuba (São Paulo, Brazil). We compiled the published descriptions of all available hippolytid Zoea I (66 spp., 21%), and all zoeae share several characteristics. However, such morphological features cannot be used to distinguish the first zoeae of Hippolytidae from other caridean larvae. Historically, the presence of an exopodal seta at the maxillule and the absence of the anal spine/papilla have been considered as characteristic for the Zoea I of the genus Hippolyte. The results of our revision, however, did not support these conclusions: although H. obliquimanus showed an exopodal seta at the maxillule, four congeners did not bear such structure; moreover, H. obliquimanus as well as one other congener have an anal spine/papilla. All morphological characters observed in the first zoeal stage of H. obliquimanus are shared with others species of the family Hippolytidae. Intraspecific variability in Hippolyte obliquimanus was detected in one morphological aspect: the first zoea had four denticles on the ventral margin of the carapace in the Brazilian population, while specimens from the Costa Rican population had three.


Author(s):  
Hisanori Kohtsuka ◽  
Hiroaki Nakano

The development and growth of a feather star Decametra tigrina from Notojima Island, Japan, is reported. This is the first record describing the complete development, from early embryos to juveniles, in the family Colobometridae. Their larval development was observed to progress independently from the adults, and was similar to other feather star species. Embryos hatched as uniformly ciliated gastrulae, which turned into doliolaria larvae when four narrow circumferential ciliated bands were formed. Skeletal ossicles began to form inside the doliolaria larvae, which subsequently settled to the substrate, proceeding to the cystidean stage. The protrusion of the arms from the oral opening marked the beginning of the pentacrinoid stage. About 45 days after hatching, they autotomized their stalks and became juvenile comatulids with arms about 6 mm long. These early juveniles apparently differ from the adults in morphological characters, such as having no pairs of tubercles or spines on the dorsal of their cirrals, and no proximal pinnules except for the first pinnule (P1). Both features are prominent in adults and are used for the classification of D. tigrina. Morphological differences between juveniles and the adults may also occur in other feather star species. A revision of the classification of comatulids, which considers morphological changes with growth, is required.


Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4269 (2) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
RÉGIS A. PESCINELLI ◽  
JOÃO A.F. PANTALEÃO ◽  
FERNANDO L. MANTELATTO ◽  
ROGÉRIO C. COSTA

The aims of this study were to describe and illustrate the early larval stages of the snapping shrimp Alpheus brasileiro Anker, 2012 and to review the larval morphology (Zoea I) of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798. Larvae were obtained from two females with embryos collected in an intertidal estuary in Cananéia, São Paulo state, Brazil. The published descriptions of all available Alpheus zoea I (only 14 spp., 4.7%) were used for a comparison of larval morphology. The zoeae I of Alpheus species are very similar, but A. brasileiro can be separated from the other studied species by the following set of characteristics: antennal scale 5-segmented with 11 plumose setae and 2 simple setae; coxal endite of maxillule with 3 simple setae and 2 sparsely plumose setae; and coxal endite of maxilla with 1 simple seta and 1 sparsely plumose seta. The description of early larval development of A. brasileiro indicates consistent characteristics, which, when analyzed along with other morphological, molecular, and biogeographical aspects, can help to elucidate the complex phylogenetic relationships between the species in the group. However, this is the first zoeal description of a member of Alpheus       armillatus species complex and it therefore does not permit a comparison. Only with new additional descriptions we will be able to generate a clearer scenario in this field due the high similarity among the species.


1985 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 383 ◽  
Author(s):  
EA Egan ◽  
DT Anderson

The presence of embryos in the mantle cavity of E. covertus and H. popeiana has been monitored over a 2-year period. E. covertus has a clearly defined seasonal pattern with peak breeding during the winter and early spring. H. popeiana shows high levels of breeding activity throughout the year. The larval stages of E. covertus and H. popeiana are described from larvae reared in the laboratory. Morphological differences in each larval stage allow the larvae of the two species to be distinguished without difficulty. Differences between the larval stages of E. covertus and E. modestus are more minor, but are sufficient to distinguish most stages. Similarities in the larval morphology of the genera Elminius and Hexaminius support their inclusion in the subfamily Elminiinae. The larvae of H. popeiana also share features with the larvae of archaeobalanines, especially Conopea galeata.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Szpila ◽  
Kinga Walczak ◽  
Nikolas P. Johnston ◽  
Thomas Pape ◽  
James F. Wallman

AbstractThe first instar larva of a species of the Australian endemic genus Aenigmetopia Malloch is described for the first time, along with the first instar larvae of three other Australian species representing the genera Amobia Robineau-Desvoidy and Protomiltogramma Townsend. Larval morphology was analysed using a combination of light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The following morphological structures are documented: pseudocephalon, antennal complex, maxillary palpus, facial mask, modifications of thoracic and abdominal segments, anal region, spiracular field, posterior spiracles and details of the cephaloskeleton. Substantial morphological differences are observed between the three genera, most notably in the labrum and mouthhooks of the cephaloskeleton, sensory organs of the pseudocephalon, spinulation, sculpture of the integument and form of the spiracular field. The first instar larval morphology of Aenigmetopia amissa Johnston, Wallman, Szpila & Pape corroborates the close phylogenetic affinity of Aenigmetopia Malloch with Metopia Meigen, inferred from recent molecular analysis. The larval morphology of Amobia auriceps (Baranov), Protomiltogramma cincta Townsend and Protomiltogramma plebeia Malloch is mostly congruent with the morphology of Palaearctic representatives of both genera.


1987 ◽  
Vol 119 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas W. Phillips ◽  
Stephen A. Teale ◽  
Gerald N. Lanier

AbstractPissodes approximatus Hopkins (1911) is a junior subjective synonym of P. nemorensis Germar (1824). The conspecificity of these entities, traditionally considered distinct based only on distribution and slight morphological differences, is corroborated here with comparative studies of ecology, behavior, and morphology. When pheromone-baited traps were deployed during the spring (May–June) and fall (November–December) in several localities to examine seasonal activity, southern populations (P. nemorensis sensu Hopkins) responded only in the fall and northern populations only in the spring, but a population in Virginia responded during both seasons. Laboratory studies found that individuals from five southern populations became reproductively mature under 16:8, 12:12, and 8:16 (L:D) photoperiods but weevils in a New York population did not mature under the 8:16 photoperiod. A two-species model based on strict seasonal isolation between northern and southern populations is rejected. Morphometrics revealed significant differences in six body dimensions and three morphometric ratios among 13 populations, but there was no geographic pattern of differences to suggest the existence of two species. Sexual dimorphism in rostrum length was most pronounced in southern populations but occurred in all five populations in which it was investigated. Examination of male and female genitalia revealed similar variation in northern and southern populations and conflicted with previously reported diagnostic differences. Our study and the results of earlier work lead us to conclude that the populations previously represented by the names P. nemorensis and P. approximatus comprise one widely distributed species and display intraspecific variation in life history and morphological characters.


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