Taxonomy and ecology of the porcellanid crab Polyonyx cometes Walker, 1887 (Crustacea: Decapoda), with description of a new genus

Abstract

The taxonomy of the rare porcellanid crab, Polyonyx cometes Walker, 1887 (Crustacea Decapoda), is reconsidered in the light of fresh material from Singapore, as well as the newly obtained first zoeal stage. Polyonyx cometes possesses numerous adult and larval characters which warrant the establishment of a new genus for the species. The species is confirmed as a commensal of the worm Chaetopterus (Annelida, Polychaeta).

Keywords :

• Porcellanidae
• Polyonyx cometes
• Crustacea
• Brachyura
• taxonomy
• ecology