Erebusa calobates, new genus, new species, a troglobitic crab (Brachyura: Potamidae) from Laos

Abstract

A new genus and species of troglobitic potamid crab is described from central Laos. The new taxon possesses a unique combination of morphological characters not found in any other known fresh-water crabs. Key diagnostic characters include the compressed frontal regions, reduced eyes, auriculiform merus of the third maxilliped, long ambulatory legs, and unusual male first pleopod structure. The reduced eyes and extremely long slender legs make this species the most highly modified cave-dwelling crab reported thus far from Indochina.