Vultocinus, Ng, Peter K. L. & Manuel-Santos, Marivene R., 2007

Ng, Peter K. L. & Manuel-Santos, Marivene R., 2007, Establishment of the Vultocinidae, a new family for an unusual new genus and new species of Indo-West Pacific crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Goneplacoidea), with comments on the taxonomy of the Goneplacidae, Zootaxa 1558, pp. 39-68 : 49

Vultocinus , new genus

Diagnosis. Entire dorsal carapace surface covered with short, stiff setae, with underlying complex pattern of ridges and grooves, regions well marked by high tuberculated and granulated swellings ( Figs. 2 , 3 A). Mandibles dark coloured even after in preservatives ( Fig. 8 A). Thoracic sternum relatively narrow transversely ( Fig. 9 A), sternite 3 with shallow median longitudinal groove ( Fig. 9 A), posterior edge of episternite 7 strongly produced posteriorly to form spur which reaches coxa of P5 ( Fig. 13 A, B). Meri of ambulatory legs with distinct median carinae, ventral margins of P2–P4 with 2 or 3 prominent perpendicular spines each ( Fig. 4 C, D). Male abdomen relatively narrow transversely ( Figs. 9 A, 10A), sutures for all somites and telson clearly visible but somites 3 and 4 immovable, fused, other somites freely articulating ( Fig. 5 B). G1 relatively slender, gently curved, surface with simple spines ( Fig. 5 C-F); G2 with distal segment short, about one-sixth length of basal segment ( Fig. 5 G, H).

Etymology. The name is derived from the Latin vultuosus for “full of expression”, alluding to the distinctively marked carapace features of the type species. The name is an arbitrary combination with the Latin word for crab, Carcinus . Gender masculine.

Remarks. See discussion for family.

Figures

FIGURE 2. Vultocinus anfractus, new genus, new species. Overall dorsal views. A, holotype male (cl 19.5 mm, cw 20.3 mm) (NMCR 19114), Philippines; B, paratype male (cl 19.9 mm, cw 22.0 mm) (ZRC), Philippines; C, male (cl 15.6 mm, cw 16.8 mm) (ZRC), Vanuatu.

FIGURE 3. Vultocinus anfractus, new genus, new species. Holotype male (cl 19.5 mm, cw 20.3 mm) (NMCR 19114), Philippines. A, dorsal view of carapace; B, ventral view of carapace; C, buccal area showing third maxillipeds; D, frontal view of carapace and chelipeds.

FIGURE 4. Vultocinus anfractus, new genus, new species. Holotype male (cl 19.5 mm, cw 20.3 mm) (NMCR 19114), Philippines. A, outer surface of right chela; B, outer surface of left chela; C, right side of thoracic sternum showing ventral surface of chelipeds and spines on ambulatory meri; D, right P 4.

FIGURE 5. Vultocinus anfractus, new genus, new species. Paratype male (cl 27.3 mm, cw 25.3 mm) (ZRC), Philippines. A, left third maxilliped (setae denuded); B, male abdomen (partially denuded); C, left G 1, dorsal view; D, left G 1, ventral view; E, distal part of left G 1, dorsal view; F, distal part of left G 1, ventral view; G, left G 2; H, distal part of left G 2. Scales = 1.0 mm.

FIGURE 8. Buccal field, showing mouthparts and mandibles. A, Vultocinus anfractus, new genus, new species, paratype male (cl 27.3 mm, cw 25.3 mm) (ZRC); B, Mathildella rubra Ng & Ho, 2003, male (cl 16.2 mm, cw 19.5 mm) (ZRC 2004.535); C, Progeryon mus Ng & Guinot, 1999, holotype male (cl 38.6 mm, cw 46.5 mm) (ZRC); D, Conleyus defodio Ng & Ng, 2003, holotype male (cl 12.2 mm, cw 16.4 mm) (FLMNH).

FIGURE 9. Anterior part of thoracic sternum and male abdominal somites 5, 6 and telson. A, Vultocinus anfractus, new genus, new species, paratype male (cl 27.3 mm, cw 25.3 mm) (ZRC); B, “ Goneplax ” marivenae Komatsu & Takeda, 2004, male (cl 11.0 mm, cw 17.6 mm) (ZRC 2004.724); C, Carcinoplax spinosissima Rathbun, 1914, male (cl 24.0 mm, cw 29.1 mm) (ZRC 2001.535); D, Mathildella rubra Ng & Ho, 2003, male (cl 16.2 mm, cw 19.5 mm) (ZRC 2004.535); E, Intesius pilosus Guinot & Richer de Forges, 1981: male (cl 32.3 mm, cw 38.3 mm) (ZRC 2004.731); F, Platypilumnus gracilipes Alcock, 1894, male (cl 25.3 mm, cw 29.6 mm) (ZRC 2004.717); G, Progeryon mus Ng & Guinot, 1999, holotype male (cl 38.6 mm, cw 46.5 mm) (ZRC 1997.442); H, Conleyus defodio Ng & Ng, 2003, holotype male (cl 12.2 mm, cw 16.4 mm) (FLMNH). Abbreviations: t = telson, a 4 – 6 = male abdominal somites 4 to 6 respectively, st 4 – 7 = sternites 4 to 7 respectively.

FIGURE 13. Structure and position of penis, coxa of P 5 and episternite 7 (position of penis indicated by arrow). A, B, Vultocinus anfractus, new genus, new species, paratype male (cl 27.3 mm, cw 25.3 mm) (ZRC); C, “ Goneplax ” marivenae Komatsu & Takeda, 2004, male (cl 11.0 mm, cw 17.6 mm) (ZRC 2004.724); D, Carcinoplax spinosissima Rathbun, 1914, male (cl 24.0 mm, cw 29.1 mm) (ZRC 2001.535); E, Intesius pilosus Guinot & Richer de Forges, 1981, male (cl 32.3 mm, cw 38.3 mm) (ZRC 2004.731); F, Conleyus defodio Ng & Ng, 2003, holotype male (cl, 12.2 mm, cw 16.4 mm) (FLMNH). Abbreviations: p = penis, st 7 and 8 = sternites 7 and 8 respectively, es 7 = episternite 7, c 5 = coxa of P 5.