Descriptions of megalopa and juveniles of Sympagurus dimorphus (Studer, 1883), with an account of the Parapaguridae (Crustacea: Anomura: Paguroidea) from Antarctic and Subantarctic waters

Abstract

Four species and a megalopa of the hermit crab family Parapaguridae were obtained during cruises of the USNS Eltanin (1962–8) and Hero (1971) to Antarctic and Subantarctic waters. Adults, numerous juveniles, and the presumed megalopal larvae of Sympagurus dimorphus (Studer, 1883), are reported. Morphological variations and pleopod development in juveniles, and the megalopa of this species, are described and illustrated. Sympagurus haigae (De Saint Laurent, 1972), and Parapagurus latimanus Henderson, 1888, previously were either poorly defined or known from only a few localities; they are diagnosed or their descriptions amended, and illustrated. Parapagurus bouvieri Stebbing, 1910, was found off the coast of New Zealand, extending its range across the Indian Ocean. It is postulated that, at least in some species of Sympagurus, megalopal development is more variable than previously assumed.

Keywords :

• Hermit crabs
• Parapaguridae
• Parapagurus
• Sympagurus
• juvenile morphology
• pleopod development
• megalopa
• Antarctic
• Subantarctic