First record of the freshwater crab genus Esanthelphusa Naiyanetr, 1994 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from Myanmar, with the description of a new species from the Kayin State

Abstract

ABSTRACT No species of the gecarcinucid crab genus Esanthelphusa Naiyanetr 1994, was previously known from Myanmar. A new species, Esanthelphusa kayinensis sp. nov., is described herein from the Kayin State in Central Myanmar. Esanthelphusa kayinensis sp. nov. most resembles E. dugasti and E. nimoafi, but it can be distinguished from these congeners by a combination of characters of the carapace, third maxilliped and male first gonopod. Mitochondrial 16S rDNA genetic data was used to investigate the systematic position of the new species. Morphological diagnostic characters, geographical distribution and molecular analyses support the recognition of the new species.