Abstract
ABSTRACT The larval development of Spiroplax spiralis was completed in the laboratory. Development consists of 3 zoeal stages and 1 megalopa. Detailed descriptions of larval morphology are provided. Morphology of zoeal stages shows both evolutionarily primitive and advanced features. Such a combination suggests a close relationship of Hexapodidae with Goneplacidae and Xanthidae (Pilumninae), but it supports also the maintenance of family status for the group. Furthermore, zoeal morphology of S. spiralis shows a condition generally more advanced than that of goneplacids and xanthids, and equivalent to that of larval Grapsidae. Spiroplax spiralis may have an abbreviated zoeal development. Such abbreviation is considered not to have modified larval morphology in such a way as to mislead in the interpretation of primitive or advanced conditions of morphological characters.
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