The identity of Hyastenus pleione (Herbst, 1803) and description of a new species from China (Decapoda, Brachyura, Majoidea, Epialtidae)

Abstract

Abstract The poorly known epialtid crab, Hyastenus pleione (Herbst, 1803), from the Indian Ocean is re-described on the basis of the type material. Large sized specimens of a similar looking species from China are here assigned to a new species. The new species differs from H. pleione in having fewer large granules on the carapace, a blunt distal angle of the basal antennal article with the outer margin slightly constricted medially, possessing only one branchial granule along the lateral margin of the carapace, and has a relatively more elongate male first gonopod with the subdistal part weakly dilated.