ABSTRACT
The larval development of Pitho aculeata is described and illustrated in detail. The characters described are used to discuss recent molecular phylogenetic findings suggesting that Pitho is a genus in Mithracidae sensu stricto. Based on species with known larval development, our results indicate that Pitho shares more similarities with mithracids than epialtids and therefore it should be included in the former family. Presently, there appear to be no diagnostic characteristics for the zoeal stages; however, for the megalopa the fused antennal articles 5 and 6 and the distinct number of setae on the abdominal somites 1–5 can be used to differentiate Pitho from other majoideans.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Carlos Lira, Ricardo José Marcano, Régulo López (Universidad de Oriente) and the fisherman Chupapa for their help during the fieldwork.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
ORCiD
William Santana http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3086-4419
Jessica Colavite http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1908-3160