Larval development in Phimochirus roseus (Benedict) (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae) reared in the laboratory

Abstract

The zoeal and megalopal stages of Phimochirus roseus (Benedict, 1892) are described and illustrated from material reared under laboratory conditions. Although the vast majority of zoeae of this species pass through only four larval stages before the moult to megalopa, an occasional fifth stage has been observed. Phimochirus roseus differs in a number of morphological attributes from the only other species of Phimochirus whose larvae have been described. However, their shared features are sufficiently characteristic to confirm the distinctiveness of the genus and its general developmental homogeneity.

Keywords :

• Hermit crabs
• Paguridae
• Phimochirus
• development
• zoeae
• megalopae
• Mexico