Larval development of Pilumnopeus granulata Balss, 1933 and Pilumnus minutus De Haan, 1835 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pilumnidae), with a key to the known pilumnid zoeae

Abstract

The larval stages of Pilumnopeus granulata and the megalopal stage of Pilumnus minutus are described in detail. Comparisons are made with the known larvae of other species of the pilumnid genera, and the provisional key is provided for the pilumnid zoeae. The brachyuran genera Heteropanope, Heteropilumnus, Actumnus, Pilumonopeus, Pilumnus, Parapilumnus, and Benthopanpe are clearly classified on the basis of the zoeal characteristics, such as the lateral carapace spine, dorsal carapace spine, maxillule, and abdominal lateral knobs.

Key words:

• Larval stages
• Pilumnid zoea
• Megalopa
• Pilumnopeus granulate
• Pilumnus minutus

Notes

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