A new species of Processidae (Crustacea, Decapoda, Caridea) and the larvae of the north European species

Summary

The European species previously ascribed to Processa aequimana (Paulson) or P. parva Holthuis is now assigned to a new species, P. modica, with the type locality in the southern North Sea. A distinct subspecies from the Mediterranean is recognized as P. modica carolii. Adults and larvae of both subspecies are described and compared with corresponding stages of P. aequimana, P. parva and P. hemphilli Manning & Chace.

Larvae of P. nouveli Al-Adhub & Williamson are described from material reared in the laboratory. They had not previously been separated from larvae of P. edulis (Risso), and they are clearly distinct from larvae of P. canaliculata Leach, with which species adults of P. nouveli have been confused.

A table and figures comparing the larvae of P. canaliculata, P. edulis, P. nouveli and P. modica are provided.