Rows Of Spines Research Articles

Spines and Inclines: Bioinspired Spines on an Insect-Scale Robot Facilitate Locomotion on Rough and Inclined Terrain.

To navigate complex terrains, insects use diverse tarsal structures (adhesive pads, claws, spines) to reliably attach to and locomote across substrates. This includes surfaces of variable roughness and inclination, which often require reliable transitions from ambulatory to scansorial locomotion. Using bioinspired physical models as a means for comparative research, our study specifically focused on the diversity of tarsal spines, which facilitate locomotion via frictional engagement and shear force generation. For spine designs, we took inspiration from ground beetles (Family Carabidae), which is a largely terrestrial group known for their quick locomotion. Evaluating four different species, we found that the hind legs host linear rows of rigid spines along the entire tarsus. By taking morphometric measurements of the spines, we highlighted parameters of interest (e.g., spine angle and aspect ratio) in order to test their relationship to shear forces sustained during terrain interactions. We systematically evaluated these parameters using spines cut from stainless steel shim attached to a small acrylic sled loaded with various weights. The sled was placed on 3D-printed models of rough terrain, randomly generated using fractal Brownian motion, while a motorized pulley system applied force to the spines. A force sensor measured the reaction force on the terrain, recording shear force before failure occurred. Initial shear tests highlighted the importance of spine angle, with bioinspired anisotropic designs producing higher shear forces. Using this data, we placed the best (50○ angle) and worst (90○ angle) performing spines on the legs of our insect-scale ambulatory robot physical model. We then tested the robot on various surfaces at 0, 10 and 20○ inclines, seeing similar success with the more bioinspired spines.

A New Genus of Prodidominae Cave Spider from a Paleoburrow and Ferruginous Caves in Brazil (Araneae: Prodidomidae)

A new monotypic genus of Prodidominae, Paleotoca gen. n., is proposed to include one cave species collected in a paleoburrow and ferruginous caves from Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Paleotoca diminassp. n. (♂♀). The new genus is closely related to other Neotropical Prodidominae by sharing the classic claw tuft clasper. Paleotoca gen. n. is diagnosed by the absence of a dorsal abdominal scutum, a ventral parallel rows of strong spines on the tibia and metatarsus I–II, a lack of a conductor, a discrete median apophysis on the bulb and a bifid retrolateral tibial apophysis in the male palp, a posterior extension that is beak-shaped, and folds of a copulatory duct ventrally visible in the female epigyne. Like other Prodidominae species from caves, P. diminassp. n. is a troglobitic spider with morphological characteristics that indicate specialization to live in subterranean environments, including reduction in cuticular pigments, eye loss, heavy spination and trichobothria.

First record to the spider Scytodes univittata (Araneae:Scytodidae)in Baghdad, Iraq

This study is the first and new record to the spider Scytodes univittata Simon, 1882 (Araneae:Scytodidae)in Baghdad /Iraq , the spiders Scytodes univittata were collect from province Baghdad in Iraq , genus Scytodes belong to the family Scytodidae it is one of the most family are wide distribution around the world have 6 eyes and are slow moving , the genus Scytodes are known from the names spitting spiders ,.Female Scytodes univittata can be characteristic by :large round cephalothorax length:4.45 mm , abdomen length 3.50, total body length 7.95 mm and V-shaped of fovea, scutela triangle and large with long thin legs femur I have two row of spines then spineless are in IV femur , coloration is yellow or white brown with darker spot in upper side of carapace and abdomen.

Occurrence of Four Freshwater Stingrays (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygoninae) in the Uatumã River Basin, Amazon Region: A Field Study

The Amazon region has the largest diversity of freshwater stingrays; however, there are still places where information about this group is scarce. The present work aims to record the occurrence of freshwater stingrays in the Uatumã river basin, Amazonas, Brazil. For this, collections were carried out in three municipalities bathed by the Uatumã River, Presidente Figueiredo, Itapiranga, and São Sebastião do Uatumã. The rays were collected through fishing using a hand net and, after capture, were identified through the pattern of the dorsal and ventral color of the disc, the absence or presence of the labial groove, and the organization of the row of spines on the tail, and were also measured, weighed, and sexed. In total, 69 specimens of Potamotrygonines were captured, 59 of which were from the genus Potamotrygon and ten individuals from the genus Paratrygon. The present study provides preliminary information on the characteristics of freshwater stingray species that may occur in the Uatumã River. Furthermore, new research is necessary to improve the identification of specimens to determine the diversity and elucidate aspects related to the biology of elasmobranchs in the Uatumã River Basin, Brazil.

Description of final stadium larva of Dysphaea gloriosa Fraser, 1938, (Odonata: Euphaeidae) with notes on its habitat and biology

The final instar larva of the genus Dysphaea Selys, 1853 is described and figured for the first time based on specimens of D. gloriosa Fraser, 1938 from Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. The larvae of D. gloriosa are very rarely encountered. The larvae are characterized by the relatively larger head, the swollen heavily spined genae extending well beyond the eyes, the swollen postocular lobes bearing a disordered row of dense strong marginal spines, the outer armature of the mandibles and the unusual labrum. Notes on the habitat and biology of the larvae are also provided.

Glypturus ferox, a new species of ghost shrimp (Decapoda: Axiidea: Callichiridae) from the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan

The callichirid ghost shrimp genus Glypturus Stimpson, 1866 was represented until now by four extant species world-wide. Only G. armatus A. Milne-Edwards, 1870 is known from the western Pacific. In this study, we describe G. ferox n. sp. based on seven specimens collected from the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan. All specimens of the new species were collected in inner reef lagoons by suction pump. The new species is easily distinguished from all other congeners, including fossil taxa, by having a row of spines on the lower margin of the major cheliped palm. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene suggests that G. ferox n. sp. is sister to G. armatus; the genetic divergence between the two species is high. An identification key to extant species of Glypturus is provided. A brief overview on Japanese species of Callichiridae is also provided. Glypturus ferox n. sp. is the nineth species of the family known from Japanese waters with certainty.

The first harvestman described from Bocas del Toro Archipelago: a new Poecilaemula (Opiliones: Cosmetidae) and notes about the genus

ABSTRACT The discovery of a new Cosmetidae species from Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama, with unusual sexual dimorphism and colouration, presented an identification challenge due to the limited knowledge of the taxonomy of cosmetids in Central America. The new species is notable for the extensive bright orange blots on the dorsal scutum and by the unusual structure of tibia IV of males, which is not incrassate, and bears two compact rows of strong spines. After examination of both type and non-type specimens of the type species of the genus Poecilaemula Roewer, 1912 (Meterginus signatus Banks, 1909), we decided that the new species should be assigned to this genus, and that the current circumscription of the genus is debatable as a natural group. Here, we propose a new definition of Poecilaemula, which includes three species: the type species from Costa Rica; Poecilaemula iching sp. n. from western Panama; and the species Poecilaemula eutypa (Chamberlin, 1925) comb. n. from eastern Panama, which is newly transferred from Paecilaema C.L. Koch, 1839. Additionally, Paecilaemana reimoseri Roewer, 1933 is considered a new junior subjective synonym of Meterginus signatus Banks 1909 (currently under Poecilaemula). The five South American species currently included in Poecilaemula reveal a geographic discrepancy, and they should be transferred to other genera in future investigations because they do not share any special similarity with the type species of the genus. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0101B1EE-CF5F-4781-96FF-E797C71CF05C

New species of Dermoergasilus Ho & Do, 1982 (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Ergasilidae) parasitizing endemic cichlid Paretroplus polyactis (Bleeker) in Madagascar.

Dermoergasilus madagascarensis n. sp. is described from the gills of Paretroplus polyactis, an endemic cichlid fish in Madagascar, using a combined morphological (light microscopy and SEM) and molecular approach (partial 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and COI sequences). The new species is characterized mainly by possessing: (i) roughly pentagonal cephalosome; (ii) antennal endopodal segments covered with slightly inflated membrane; (iii) maxillule bearing 2 equally long outer setae and a minute inner seta; (iv) interpodal sternites of swimming legs ornamented with 3–4 rows of spinules; (v) genital segment and first abdominal somite both barrel-shaped; and (vi) a caudal ramus projecting into a digitiform process with inconspicuous terminal seta and bearing 3 terminal setae. The obtained DNA sequences of Malagasy species represent the first molecular data for species of Dermoergasilus. The 28S rDNA phylogeny showed the affiliation of D. madagascarensis n. sp. to Ergasilidae and its sister relationship with cosmopolitan Ergasilus sieboldi von Nordmann, 1832. The first checklist for all species of Dermoergasilus is provided.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Adoretus hirsutus (Ohaus, 1914) (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae:Rutelinae) from Erbil Governorate Kurdistan Region- Iraq

This study provides a detailed description of Adoretus hirsutus (Ohaus, 1914) (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae), as a first record in Iraq. Between March and July 2022, we collected specimens from various weed flowers in different locations within the Erbil Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. According to molecular analysis, Adoretus hirsutus was used as a source of samples for PCR amplification of the fragments (710 bp) of the mtCOI gene for phylogenetic analysis. To compare the nucleotide sequence with those of other insect species, a section of the mtCOI gene from the collected insect was aligned with the NCBI GenBank database using the BLAST tool. The BLAST results showed that the second record in the NCBI GenBank identity of insects. The COI sequence of Adoretus hirsutus was submitted to GenBank with accession numbers OQ4288117, OQ428818, and OQ428819. The morphological diagnostic characteristics of the species are; Labrum nearly cup shaped, lateral margins moderately concave with a row of small spines, median apical projection overhanging the mentum. Mandibles irregular shaped, apically with single oval shaped tooth. Terminal maxillary palpomere 1.5 times as long as the 2nd. Antenna brown, consisting of 10 antennomeres ending in a unilateral three lamellated club, equal in length. Outer margin of fore tibia with three acute teeth. Aedagaeus moderately curved, parameres elongated oval, apical part is very acute. Some important parts such as labrum, mandible, antenna, fore legs, elytra, pygidium and male genitalia have been photographed.

SYSTEMATIC REVISION OF THE FISH BLOOD FLUKES WITH DIAGNOSES OF CHIMAEROHEMECIDAE YAMAGUTI, 1971, ACIPENSERICOLIDAE N. FAM., SANGUINICOLIDAE POCHE, 1926, ELOPICOLIDAE N. FAM., AND APOROCOTYLIDAE ODHNER, 1912.

We herein morphologically diagnose the 5 natural groups of fish blood flukes and name them. Species of Chimaerohemecidae Yamaguti, 1971 infect chimeras, sharks, and rays (Chondrichthyes) and have C-shaped lateral tegumental spines and a non-sinusoidal testis or lack spines and have a sinusoidal testis. Species of Acipensericolidae n. fam. infect sturgeons and paddlefish (Acipenseriformes) and have a robust, bowl-shaped, pedunculate anterior sucker, lateral tegumental spines that are spike-like (not C shaped), an inverse U-shaped intestine (anterior ceca absent) with posterior ceca terminating near the excretory bladder, 6 testes (inter-cecal ovoid or oblong, lacking deep lobes; including 1 post-ovarian testis), a Laurer's canal, and a dextral common genital pore. Species of Sanguinicolidae Poche, 1926 infect primarily later-branching freshwater ray-finned fishes (Teleostei) and have a diminutive anterior sucker, a medial esophageal swelling (pouch), short, radial ceca of approximately equal length or short anterior ceca plus an elongate, dendritic posterior cecum, testis with appendix-like lateral lobes, no Laurer's canal, and separate or common genital pores. Species of Elopicolidae n. fam. infect ladyfishes, tarpons, and catadromous eels (Elopomorpha) and have a robust, bowl-shaped, pedunculate anterior sucker, lateral tegumental spines that are spike-like (can be lost in adult), short or indistinct anterior ceca, posterior ceca that terminate at level of the testis(es), a single testis or 2 testes, a Laurer's canal present or absent, and a sinistral common genital pore and atrium. Species of Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912 primarily infect later-branching marine and estuarine ray-finned fishes (Teleostei) and have a spheroid anterior sucker with concentric rows of circumferential spines or the spheroid anterior sucker is lost in adults or adults have a diminutive anterior sucker, a sinuous esophagus lacking a pouch, an X- or H-shaped intestine having 4 ceca, long anterior ceca (or secondarily lost), smooth posterior ceca that extend posteriad in parallel with respective body margin and terminate near the posterior body end, testis(es) that lack appendix-like lateral lobes, no Laurer's canal, and a sinistral common genital pore or separate genital pores that are sinistral. Our 28S phylogeny recovered the fish blood flukes as monophyletic and each of the morphologically diagnosed families as monophyletic and sister to the remaining blood flukes infecting turtles and homeotherms. Acipensericolidae was recovered sister to the clade comprising Chimaerohemecidae + Sanguinicolidae and Elopicolidae + Aporocotylidae. The branching order and interrelationships of these families remains unsettled perhaps because of low taxon sampling among non-aporocotylids and extinction of intermediate taxa.

REVISION OF SANGUINICOLA PLEHN, 1905 WITH REDESCRIPTION OF SANGUINICOLA VOLGENSIS (RAŠÍN, 1929) MCINTOSH, 1934, DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES, PROPOSAL OF A NEW GENUS, AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS.

Sanguinicola Plehn, 1905 comprises 26 species that collectively infect fishes from 8 orders (Cypriniformes, Characiformes, Siluriformes, Esociformes, Salmoniformes, Labriformes, Centrarchiformes, and Perciformes). Its revision is warranted because several species assigned to the genus could represent new genera, nucleotide sequences are wanting, many species have incomplete descriptions, and types for most species are missing or of poor quality. Herein, we emend Sanguinicola based on morphology and the first nucleotide-based phylogenetic analysis that includes multiple sequences from morphologically identified adult specimens. We describe Sanguinicola plehnae Warren and Bullard n. sp. from the heart of northern pike, Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758 from Russia; provide supplemental observations of Sanguinicola volgensis (Rašín, 1929) McIntosh, 1934 from the heart of sabrefish (type species), Pelecus cultratus (Linnaeus, 1758) Berg, 1949 from Russia; describe Sanguinicola cf. volgensis from the heart of ide, Leuciscus idus (Linnaeus, 1758) Berg, 1949 from Russia; and describe Pseudosanguinicola occidentalis (Van Cleave and Mueller, 1932) Warren and Bullard n. gen., n. comb. from the heart of walleye, Sander vitreus (Mitchill, 1818) Bailey, Latta, and Smith, 2004 from eastern North America. Sanguinicola plehnae differs from its congeners by having lateral tegumental spines that total 118-122, are small (3% of body width), and protrude 2-3 µm from the tegument (lacking associated conical protrusion) as well as by having a large testis (>40% of body length). Sanguinicola volgensis differs from its congeners by having posteriorly directed lateral tegumental spines encased in a tegumental conical protrusion as well as by having an ovoid egg. Specimens of S. cf. volgensis differ from those of S. volgensis by having a body that is 5-6× longer than wide (vs. 2-3× in S. volgensis) and <90 lateral tegumental spines (vs. >95). Pseudosanguinicola Warren and Bullard n. gen. differs from Sanguinicola by having densely transverse rows of lateral tegumental spines (vs. a single column of large spines). The phylogenetic analysis utilizing the large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S) failed to reject monophyly of Sanguinicola.

A new deep-water species of Discias Rathbun, 1902 (Decapoda: Caridea: Disciadidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea.

A new species of the caridean shrimp genus Discias Rathbun, 1902 is described from the Gulf of Aqaba in the northern Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Discias forsskali sp. nov. is unique within the genus Discias, combining the following morphological features: (1) rostrum elongate, triangular, pointed distally, non-lanceolate, with serrations on the lateral margins extending onto the orbital margin; (2) posterodorsal margins of all pleonites smooth, unarmed; (3) mandible with well-developed, biarticulated palp; (4) dactylus of third to fifth pereiopods with row of spinules on ventral margin, dactylus of fifth pereiopod smooth dorsally; (5) uropodal exopod with straight, non-serrated lateral margin; and (6) posterior margin of telson with nine (four pairs + one) spiniform setae. The holotype and single known specimen of the new species, an ovigerous female, was collected by ROV at a depth of 387.4 m.

Disentangling cryptic species in Parastenocarididae (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) with an integrative approach: the case of Stammericaris similior sp. nov. and Stammericaris destillans Bruno & Cottarelli 2017.

Stammericaris similior sp. nov. is described combining light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and genetic barcoding. The new species was collected from rimstone pools in Scrivilleri Cave, a cave in Sicily with so far unexplored microcrustacean fauna. The new species is particularly interesting because it is morphologically very similar to Stammericaris destillans, an epikarstic parastenocaridid endemic to a different Sicilian cave; however, the phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial COI gene of sixteen parastenocaridids shows that these two Stammericaris are two distinct species, with an uncorrected p-distance of 22.9, and the sequences of Stammericaris similior sp. nov. cluster together in a well-supported monophyletic clade, with two different haplotypes. To our knowledge, the presence of different species of almost identical morphology had not been recorded before for the genus Stammericaris. The integrated molecular and morphological analysis, the latter conducted with the support of SEM, allows disentangling the affinities of the new species and identifying a few distinctive characters: the males of the new species are characterized by the caudal rami shorter than the anal somite; the morphology of the P3, which is thin and slightly arched, with three proximal spinules on exp-1; the peculiar structure of the P4 enp; the P4 basis ornamented with two spinules of different length, the one closest to the endopod being the shortest one, and a half-moon shaped lamella. The new species differs from S. destillans for its larger size, the presence of: three spinules, instead of two, on the P3 exp-1; the half-moon shaped lamella on the P4 basis; a row of spinules along the inner margin of P4 exp-1. We also provide data on the ecology and distribution of the new species, a list of the other copepod species collected, and a dichotomic key for the males of all species presently assigned to the genus.

Surprising morphological diversity in ceraphronid wasps revealed by a distinctive new species of Aphanogmus (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronoidea)

Within the well-studied Palearctic entomofauna, it is often assumed that the discovery of new species is limited to resolving cryptic species complexes within dark taxa. Herein, we describe a highly distinctive species of Aphanogmus Thomson, 1858 (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) from Germany and provide a COI barcoding sequence for the new species. We present a 3D reconstruction of the holotype based on micro-CT to serve as a cybertype. The females of Aphanogmus kretschmanni Moser sp. nov. are diagnosed by two rows of prominent spines on the ventral edge of the 7th metasomal sternite, a character set that has not previously been found in Hymenoptera. We analyse the functional morphology of the ovipositor mechanism and discuss hypotheses regarding the functional implications of the unique modification of the 7th metasomal sternite. Possible host associations are reviewed and the taxonomic placement of the new species is discussed.

First Record of Arcotheres Alcocki (Rathbun, 1909) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) from India

Pinnotherid species Arcotheres alcocki (Rathbun 1909) is first time reported from India on the basis of female specimens obtained from shells of Perna virdis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mytildae) collected from coastal area of Kerala state. Arcotheres alcocki was described on the basis of a female specimen obtained from unknown molluscans species collected from Burias, Philippines. Recently, a female specimen of A. alcocki recorded from Chinese water was collected from the shells Marcia sp. (Veneridae), while the female specimens examined in the present study were collected from the shells of Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mytildae). Arcotheres alcocki is close to A. placunicola Ng, 2018 in having subhexagonal carapace but can be distinguished from latter species on the basis morphology of two rows of spinules that are present on distoflexor margin of dactylus of fifth ambulatory leg of female. The species is so far reported from South China Sea, Peninsular Malaysia or Indonesia, Singapore and now from India.

Experiments and qualitative analysis by artificial neural network approach on pool boiling of FC-72 on finned surfaces confined by an unheated horizontal wall

Heat transfer measurements were taken during nucleate pool boiling of FC-72 (a saturated liquid utilized for thermal control of electronic components) from extended finned surfaces placed in a horizontal channel. The influence of channel width on boiling behavior for various extended finned surfaces was experimentally investigated. These finned surfaces have an array of uniformly or non-uniformly spaced straight spines with a square cross-section. The fins had a length of 3 mm or 6 mm. Starting from a uniform configuration, for which the width spacing of the spines was 0.4 mm, non-uniform surfaces were obtained by regularly removing some rows of spines. The effects of channel width (0.5–20 mm) and spines distribution were analyzed. The case of an extended unconfined surface was investigated and used as a reference to compare the effect of the confinement. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with one hidden layer was trained with the experimental data to predict the heat flux. An optimization algorithm was implemented to calculate the geometry that maximizes the predicted heat flux operating near the maximum temperature limit under different constrictions as fixed fin height or fixed channel width.

Castanopsiscorallocarpus (Fagaceae), a new species from Royal Belum (Perak) in Peninsular Malaysia.

A new species from the Fagaceae family, Castanopsiscorallocarpus Tan & Strijk, is described from Royal Belum State Park in Peninsular Malaysia. Here, we provide technical illustrations, colour images and a description of its conservation status and the collecting locality, in addition to a comparative analysis with other species in the region. The solitary nut of C.corallocarpus has a morphologically unique cupule, lined with rows of thick coral-like spines not seen in other Castanopsis species.

New perspectives on morphological and genetic variability of Corynosoma bullosum [Linstow, 1892] parasitizing southern elephant seals from the Antarctic Peninsula.

Previous descriptions of Corynosoma bullosum (Linstow, 1892) show that specimens vary greatly in the proportions of different body structures, measurements of females and males, number of rows of hooks, and egg measurements, among other features. We redescribe this species from specimens found in southern elephant seal faeces from King George Island. We also provide a molecular characterization, in addition to 5.8S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) existing sequences. We examined 41 elephant seals, and 30 adult acanthocephalans were found in 15 of them. The specimens were identified as belonging to the genus Corynosoma due to each having a tubular body with an inflated anterior part forming a thorny disk and the posterior part bearing somatic spines on the ventral surface, and genital spines surrounding the genital pore. Individual morphology corresponded to C. bullosum: large size, marked sexual dimorphism, and proboscis with 16-18 rows of spines with 11-15 spines per row. The molecular profile of three specimens of C. bullosum was analysed using 18S rDNA. We inferred phylogenetic relationships of the family Polymorphidae using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. We provide an updated morphological redescription for C. bullosum including electron microscopy photographs and molecular data. The 18S gene sequences showed low genetic variation and supported that C. bullosum is a sister to Corynosoma australe.

Systematic assessment of nymphs of Diesingiinae (Pentastomida: Sebekidae) parasitizing Palloceros harpagos (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from Parque Nacional Iguazú, Argentina: filling gaps in an incomplete phylogenetic framework.

During a search for parasites in fishes from Iguazu River, Argentina, a nymph of pentastomid was found encysted on mesenteries of Phalloceros harpagos. The 28S rDNA and COI mt-DNA were used to compare with the sequences deposited in the GenBank. Pentastomid nymphs belong to the subfamily Diesingiinae (Sebekidae) for having chloride cell pores distributed in a single row per annulus; also, the hooks and rows of spines of our material differ to other genera. Present specimens are most likely Diesingia sp., having 63-74 annuli, a U shaped oral cadre with fibers closing anteriorly and a peg like extension of the oral cadre. The 28S rDNA analysis places our samples into a sister group of Alofia sp., but the COI mt-DNA situate them on the base of the clade. In conclusion, our pentastomid positively belongs to Diesingia sp., however, indisputable assignation requires a reliable description of the nymph, or the availability of sequences linking nymphs and adults, which even could provide evidence of a new hitherto undescribed genus. Aditionally, the systematic position of Sebekia oxycephala previously described by P. harpagos is discussed on the basis of our results, allowing us to suggest a re-assignation of such specimens to the genus Diesingia.

Filling gaps in the life history of the snapping shrimp Alpheus petronioi: morphology of the first post-embryonic stages reared in laboratory

ABSTRACT Larval characteristics play an important role in life history, phylogenetic and systematic studies. The morphology of the first post-embryonic stages (zoeae I–III) of the snapping shrimp Alpheus petronioi were described in detail and illustrated based on laboratory-hatched larvae. The morphological characteristics of the species were compared with available descriptions of other Alpheus species with known first zoeal stages. We provided a combination of characteristics useful for the diagnosis of the early zoeal stages of A. petronioi. The species can be separated from the first zoeal stage of the other species of the genus using the following structures: basial endite of maxillule with 2 stout spines (both without rows of spinules), and 2 small plumose setae; endopod of maxillule with 1 terminal denticulate seta, 1 short terminal simple seta and 1 subterminal spine; basial endite of maxilla bilobed, with 4 and 5 simple setae on proximal and distal lobe, respectively and basis of second maxilliped with 5 (3 strong and 2 slender) simple setae arranged (2 + 2 + 1). This is the first study on the biology of A. petronioi after its description, adding new information on its life history.