Generic affinities of Eriocheir leptognathus and E. formosa with description of a new genus (Brachyura: Grapsidae: Varuninae)

Abstract

The varunine crab genus Neoeriocheir, previously synonymized under Eriocheir, is here regarded as a valid taxon. The type species, N. leptognathus, differs from members of Eriocheir sensu stricto in the form of its epistome, chelipeds, and male first pleopod as well as first zoeal structures. Eriocheir formosa is here assigned to a new genus, Platyeriocheir. The type species, Eriocheir formosa, is distinctly different from species of Eriocheir sensu stricto based on the structure of the carapace, the chelipeds, the thoracic sternum, and the male first pleopod, and on the form of the zoeal and megalopal stages.