Biology:Pleistacantha

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Pleistacantha is a genus of crabs in the family Oregoniidae.[1] The genus occurs throughout many coasts in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.[2]

Description

Pleistacantha has a pyriform carapace which is longer than it is wide – at most 146 mm (5.7 in) long.[3] The carapace is densely covered by spines and granules, and its walking legs are lined with spines and spinules.[3] Its first pair of gonopods is slender and, like in all oregoniid crabs, features a longitudinal groove.[4] Males have a tapered abdomen, and depending on the species, the sixth abdominal segment and the telson may be either separate or fused together.[3]

Taxonomy

Pleistacantha was described by zoologist Edward J. Miers in 1879.[5] Its name is derived from the Greek roots pleistos (πλεῖστος), a superlative meaning "many", and acantha (άκανθα), meaning "spine".[5] In 2013, evidence that the family Inachoididae was not monophyletic prompted carcinologists to move Pleistacantha and several other genera into the family Oregoniidae.[6]

Species

The following species are recognized in this genus:[1][2]

References

Works cited

Further reading

Wikidata ☰ Q18591839 entry