taxonID	type	description	language	source
03F18794642AFFADFDE7E46E7DF8FAEF.taxon	description	Figs 1 – 3, 4 A, 5 – 6	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F18794642AFFADFDE7E46E7DF8FAEF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Carapace broader than long, lateral margins with 2 – 4 distinct spines; hepatic margin separated from branchial margin by fissure or narrow V-shaped notch; dorsal surface with pair of oblique posterolateral ridges each armed with 1 or 2 strong median spine. Median lobe of thoracic sternite 3 comparatively high antero-posteriorly. Cheliped bearing long and thick plumose setae on margins and surfaces of all articles; carpus distinctly elongate, more than 2 times as long as broad, bearing bead-like granules regularly arranged on dorsoflexor margin; extensor margin with 4 – 7 strong spines; chela 2.5 – 3.0 times as long as broad, 1.3 – 1.8 times carapace width; palm with longitudinal groove on ventral surface near extensor margin. Ambulatory legs bearing long plumose setae; merus of second ambulatory leg 4.3 – 4.7 times as long as broad.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F18794642AFFADFDE7E46E7DF8FAEF.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined CHINA – northern South China Sea • 1 ♂ (CL 10.2 mm); Hong Kong; 22 ° 12 ′ N, 114 ° 01 ′ E; 11 m depth; 11 May 2022; collected by bottom trawl; GenBank no.: PX 405587; MBM 287965 • 1 ♂ (CL 9.1 mm); Hong Kong; 22 ° 14 ′ N, 114 ° 04 ′ E; 6 m depth; 13 Apr. 2022; collected by bottom trawl; MBM 287966 • 3 ♂♂ (CL 6.5 – 8.0 mm); Hong Kong; 22 ° 20 ′ N, 114 ° 02 ′ E; 5 m depth; 28 Mar. 2023; collected by bottom trawl; MBM 287967 • 4 ♂♂ (CL 7.5 – 8.5 mm); Guangxi Province, Shatian, Beihai; 21 ° 32 ′ N, 109 ° 40 ′ E; 6 m depth; 15 Oct. 2018; collected by bottom trawl; MBM 287968 • 1 ♂ (CL 5.5 mm); Guangxi Province, Qinzhou; 21 ° 48 ′ N, 108 ° 32 ′ E; 10 m depth; 28 Mar. 2024; collected by bottom trawl; MBM 287969 • 1 ♀ (CL 7.0 mm), 7 ♂♂ (CL 5.1 – 8.0 mm); Hainan Province, Danzhou; 19 ° 44 ′ N, 109 ° 10 ′ E; 9 m depth; 4 Jan. 2020; collected by bottom trawl; MBM 287970. – southern East China Sea • 2 ♀♀ (CL 6.5 – 7.0 mm), 1 ♂ (CL 5.5 mm); Fujian Province, Putian; 25 ° 14 ′ N, 118 ° 58 ′ E; 10 m depth; 10 Nov. 2023; collected by bottom trawl; MBM 287971.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F18794642AFFADFDE7E46E7DF8FAEF.taxon	description	Description CARAPACE. 1.3 (1.2 – 1.4) times as broad as long, broadest at median branchial margin. Dorsal surface finely covered with numerous short striae, striae relatively long and elevated on lateral branchial and intestinal regions and usually bearing dense plumose setae; gastric and cardiac regions relatively glabrous, pair of protogastric ridges present; cervical grooves distinct. Hepatic margin convex, separated from branchial margin by fissure or narrow V-shaped notch. Branchial margins strongly convex, tuberculate, laterally expanded forming laminar ridges convergent posteriorly, armed with 2 – 4 distinct spines; oblique posterolateral ridge crenulate, extending onto posterior branchial region, bearing 1 or 2 strong median spine. Posterior margin straight. Rostrum short, trilobate; median lobe broad and bent ventrally, with short dorsomedian groove; lateral lobe approximately as broad as median lobe, slightly overreaching half of median lobe. Orbit concave; supra-ocular margins smooth; outer orbital angles bluntly triangular, reaching approximately half length of lateral rostral lobe. Pterygostomian flap entire; surface with longitudinal, long ridge on midline and several short, oblique rugae bearing thick plumose setae; anterior end produced, triangular. STERNAL PLASTRON. Sternite 3 broad, trilobate; median lobe approximately 3.4 times as wide as high (width measured along anterior margin of sternite 3 excluding elongated lateral lobes), anterior margin straight or slightly convex; lateral lobes narrow, strongly produced anteriorly, reaching half of coxa of third maxilliped. Sternite 4 with anterior margin broadly concave, bearing submarginal row of thick plumose setae. TELSON. Composed of 7 plates. EYE. Small, ocular peduncle short; distal margin of cornea slightly overreaching apex of lateral rostral lobe. BASAL ARTICLE OF ANTENNULAR PEDUNCLE. Slightly longer than broad, with short transverse rugae on ventral surface; anterior margin weakly crenulated, mesial corner elevated and produced as rounded tooth. ANTENNAL PEDUNCLE. First article immovable, broad, anteriorly overreaching outer orbital corner; second to fourth articles (movable) subcylindrical, unarmed, third article longest. THIRD MAXILLIPED. Ischium rounded and lamellar, ventral surface with transverse rugae. Merus with rounded lobe on flexor margin, extensor margin straight; lateral surface with rugae. Carpus with rounded projection on median flexor margin. Propodus straight, elongate. Dactlylus short. Rugae and margins of ischium and merus bearing dense plumose setae. CHELIPED. Unequal, bearing long and thick plumose setae on margins and surfaces of all articles, setae especially thicker on extensor and flexor margins of each article, ventral surface of merus and dorsal surface of chela. Merus robust, longer than broad, surfaces covered with numerous short rugae; dorsoflexor lobe low, marginally granulate, distally rounded, reaching or slightly overreaching distal margin of carpus; dorsodistal margin straight; ventral surface mesially with strong subterminal spine. Carpus distinctly elongate, 2.1 (2.0 – 2.2) times as long as broad, proximally narrowed; dorsoflexor margin slightly concave, bearing granules generally linearly arranged (few granules may present ventrally), granules bead-like (rarely tubercle-like), subequal in size and closely-spaced; extensor margin evenly convex, with 4 – 7 strong spines (including spine at distal end) on distal two-third; dorsodistal and ventrodistal margins sinuous; dorsal surface with longitudinal ridge on midline; dorsal and ventral surfaces with numerous short rugae. Palm compressed dorsoventrally, 1.1 times as long as broad, 0.9 times length of carpus; chela (including fingers) 2.6 (2.5 – 3.0) times as long as broad, 1.4 (1.3 – 1.8) times carapace width; extensor margin denticulate; dorsoflexor margin with row of beaded granules; dorsal surface with elevate longitudinal ridge on midline, with clusters of beaded granules along mid-ridge and numerous granules on extensor side; ventral surface with numerous rugae and distinct groove or depressed area along extensor margin extending onto base of fixed finger. Fingers approximately 1.2 times palm length, tips hooked and crossed to each other distally; dorso-extensor margin of dactylus ridged with beaded granules; dorsal surface of dactylus ridged on midline covered with beaded granules, dorsal and ventral surfaces of both fingers covered with short rugae; occlusal edges of larger chela with broad and triangular median tooth on fixed finger and produced, rectangular basal tooth on dactylus; occlusal edges of smaller chela straight and crenulate. Chela of larger male individuals usually less granulate. AMBULATORY LEGS. Each article compressed, with no spine and bearing thick plumose setae on margins and few short setae on surfaces. Meri slender, subequal in width and decreasing in length posteriorly; P 2 merus 4.5 (4.3 – 4.7) times as long as broad, P 3 and P 4 meri approximately 0.8 and 0.5 times length of P 2 merus, respectively; extensor and flexor margins generally straight. Carpi subequal in width; P 2 carpus approximately 0.4 times length of P 2 merus, 2.9 times as long as broad, P 3 and P 4 carpi 0.9 and 0.8 times length of P 2 carpus, respectively; extensor and flexor margins straight. Propodi subequal in width, P 2 propodus approximately 0.4 times length of merus, 4.1 times as long as broad, P 3 and P 4 propodi approximately 0.9 and 0.7 times length of P 2 propodus, respectively; extensor margin slightly convex; flexor margin straight. Dactyli gradually narrowed distally, approximately 0.8 – 0.9 times length of propodi; extensor and flexor margins straight. PLEOPODS. Males with pair of well-developed pleopods modified as gonopods on second abdominal somite. Females with pair of slender pleopods on each third to fifth abdominal somites. Coloration in life Body generally pale whitish. Anterior part of carapace and dorsal surfaces of chelipeds with purple patches. Plumose setae brown or black. Habitat Muddy and sandy-muddy substrates in the subtidal zones.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F18794642AFFADFDE7E46E7DF8FAEF.taxon	distribution	Distribution West Pacific: northern South China Sea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia Peninsula, Indonesia, northwest and east coasts of Australia; Indian Ocean: Pakistan; intertidal to depth of 44 m.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F18794642AFFADFDE7E46E7DF8FAEF.taxon	discussion	Remarks Raphidopus ciliatus is closely related to R. xinzhengi sp. nov. (see Remarks on R. xinzhengi). Stimpson’s (1858) original description of the holotype lacks details of the spination and granulation on the P 1 carpus (Stimpson 1858, 1907). Measurements taken from the figure of the holotype (Stimpson 1907) give a P 1 carpus length / width ratio of 2.1 and a chela-length / carapace-width ratio of 1.4; these values are close to those of our R. ciliatus material herein defined. Meanwhile, the P 1 carpus of the holotype seemed to have prominent spines on the extensor margin, contrasting with the small spines in the new species. We re-examined a syntype (see Supp. file 1) deposited in the Nature History Museum (NHM) in London (Reg. no. 61.44; pers. com., Dr Paul Clark) (Evans 1967). The syntype was collected from China, but no specific locality and date (with the label only reading “ China (111) ”) were provided. The specimen shows sharp spines along the extensor margin and approximately linearly arranged granules on the dorsoflexor margin of the P 1 carpus. Both the P 1 carpus and chela are distinctly elongate, with length / width ratios of 3.0 and 2.2, respectively. Although all ambulatory legs are detached, the longest one also displays a markedly elongate merus (length / width ratio, 5.0). These characters are consistent with those of our specimens of R. ciliatus. In Chinese waters, R. ciliatus predominates in the northern South China Sea and southern East China Sea (south to the northern end of the Taiwan Strait), whereas R. xinzhengi sp. nov. occurs exclusively north of the Taiwan Strait (according to our surveys). Examination of more than 15 specimens, including eight from adjacent waters of Hong Kong, confirms that populations across the northern South China Sea are morphologically and genetically uniform, indicating they are conspecific. Some intraspecific variations are observed in R. ciliatus: specimens from Guangdong and Hong Kong usually bear dark grey to black plumose setae, whereas specimens from the Beibu Gulf have dark brown setae. Raphidopus ciliatus has been recorded widely from the Indo-West Pacific, including Pakistan, Australia, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia (Miyake 1943; Haig 1965, 1981; Ng & Nakasone 1994; Tirmizi & Ghani 1994), demonstrating a wide distribution range throughout the tropical Indo-West Pacific. Miyake (1943) illustrated a specimen from Japan with a somewhat long P 1 carpus (length / width ratio roughly 1.9 – 2.0), bearing strong spines on the extensor margin, making it more similar to R. ciliatus. Specimens examined by Haig (1992) and Ng & Nakasone (1994) exhibited a much more elongate P 1 carpus that agrees well with our material. Tirmizi & Ghani’s (1994) material from Pakistan, by contrast, has a relatively short P 1 carpus and a degree of variation on the spination of the carapace. Given the high morphological similarity, yet strong genetic divergence between R. ciliatus and R. xinzhengi sp. nov., a molecular analysis and re-examination of R. ciliatus material from the other geographical regions will be required to clarify their systematic status and the true distribution range.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F187946425FFB7FE42E3027FDAFEBF.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: A 5 A 94 BE 4 - 5 BF 0 - 4800 - 9550 - 93 AFDFD 2 A 087 Figs 1 – 3, 4 B, 7 – 8	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F187946425FFB7FE42E3027FDAFEBF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Carapace broader than long, lateral margins with 3 or 4 spines; hepatic margin separated from branchial margin by fissure or narrow V-shaped notch; dorsal surface with pair of oblique posterolateral ridges each unarmed or with 1 (rarely 2) small spines. Median lobe of thoracic sternite 3 comparatively high antero-posteriorly. Cheliped bearing long and thick plumose setae on margins and surfaces of all articles; carpus moderately elongate, 1.8 – 1.9 times as long as broad; dorsoflexor margin bearing granules arranged in irregular rows, granules bead-like or tubercle-like, generally irregular in size and spacing; extensor margin with 3 – 5 small spines; chela 2.2 – 2.4 times as long as broad, 1.0 – 1.3 times carapace width; palm with longitudinal groove on ventral surface near extensor margin. Ambulatory legs bearing long plumose setae; merus of second ambulatory leg 3.4 – 3.8 times as long as broad.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F187946425FFB7FE42E3027FDAFEBF.taxon	etymology	Etymology The new species is named after Professor Xinzheng Li, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, for his contribution to the taxonomic research of marine crustaceans in China. The Chinese name of the new species is NJAEDz 足ª.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F187946425FFB7FE42E3027FDAFEBF.taxon	materials_examined	Type material Holotype CHINA – Yellow Sea • ♀ (CL 8.3 mm); Shandong Province, Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao; 36 ° 09 ′ N, 120 ° 20 ′ E; 5 m depth; 10 Nov. 2024; collected by dredge, muddy bottom; GenBank no.: PX 405584; MBM 287959. Paratypes CHINA – Yellow Sea • 2 ♀♀ (CL 4.5 – 6.6 mm), 2 ♂♂ (CL 6.2 – 7.5 mm); Shandong Province, Dingzi Bay, Haiyang, Yantai; 36 ° 35 ′ N, 120 ° 59 ′ E; 6 m depth; 17 Apr. 2022; collected by bottom trawl; GenBank no.: PX 405585; MBM 287960. Non-type material examined CHINA – East China Sea • 2 ♀♀ (CL 5.1 – 7.4 mm), 4 ♂♂ (CL 5.4 – 8.2 mm); Zhejiang Province, Nanji Islands, Wenzhou; 27 ° 27 ′ N, 121 ° 5 ′ E; 2 Jun. 2022; collected by bottom trawl; MBM 287962. – Yellow Sea • 1 ♀ (CL 6.1 mm), 1 ♂ (CL 8.1 mm); Liaoning Province, Liaodong Bay, Panjin; 40 ° 33 ′ N, 121 ° 56 ′ E; 1 Nov. 2024; collected by bottom trawl; GenBank no.: PX 405586; MBM 287963 • 4 ♀♀ (CL 5.5 – 8.0 mm), 2 ♂♂ (CL 7.5 – 8.5 mm); Shandong Province, Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao; 36 ° 09 ′ N, 120 ° 20 ′ E; 5 m depth; 11 Feb. 2017; collected by dredge, muddy bottom; MBM 287961 • 4 ♀♀ (CL 7.1 – 8.0 mm), 2 ♂♂ (CL 8.0 – 9.3 mm); Jiangsu Province, Ganyu, Lianyungang; 35 ° 2 ′ N, 119 ° 18 ′ E; 10 m depth; 8 Apr. 2024; collected by bottom trawl; MBM 287964.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F187946425FFB7FE42E3027FDAFEBF.taxon	description	Description CARAPACE. 1.3 (1.2 – 1.3) times as broad as broad; lateral margins strongly convex. Dorsal surface finely covered with numerous short striae, striae relatively long and elevated on lateral branchial and intestinal regions and usually bearing dense plumose setae; gastric and cardiac regions relatively glabrous or with sparse short setae, pair of protogastric ridges present; cervical grooves distinct. Hepatic margin convex, separated from branchial margin by fissure or narrow V-shaped notch. Branchial margins strongly convex, tuberculate, laterally expanded forming laminar ridges convergent posteriorly, armed with 3 or 4 small spines, oblique posterolateral ridge crenulate, extending onto posterior branchial region, unarmed or bearing 1 (rarely 2) small median spines. Posterior margin slightly concave. Rostrum short, trilobate; median lobe broad, bent ventrally, with short dorsomedian groove; lateral lobe approximately as broad as median lobe, half of median lobe length. Orbit concave; supra-ocular margins smooth; outer orbital angles bluntly triangular, approximately reaching half length of lateral rostral lobe. Pterygostomian flap entire; surface with longitudinal, long ridge on midline and several short, oblique rugae bearing thick plumose setae; anterior end produced, triangular. STERNAL PLASTRON. Sternite 3 broad; median lobe trilobate, approximately 3.5 times as wide as high (width measured along anterior margin of sternite 3 excluding elongated lateral lobes), anterior margin transversely straight or slightly convex; lateral lobes narrow, strongly produced anteriorly reaching half length of coxa of third maxilliped. Sternite 4 with anterior margin concave, bearing submarginal row of thick plumose setae. TELSON. Composed of 7 plates. EYE. Small, ocular peduncle short, distal margin of cornea reaching apex of lateral rostral lobe. BASAL ARTICLE OF ANTENNULAR PEDUNCLE. As long as or slightly longer than broad, with short transverse rugae on ventral surface; anterior margin crenulate, mesial corner elevated and produced as rounded tooth. ANTENNA 1 PEDUNCLE. First article immovable, broad, anteriorly reaching level of cornea; second to fourth articles movable, subcylindrical, unarmed, third article longest. THIRD MAXILLIPED. Ischium rounded and lamellar, lateral surface medially depressed, with transverse rugae bearing short plumose setae. Merus with rounded lobe on flexor margin; extensor margin straight; lateral surface with short rugae. Carpus with rounded projection on median flexor margin. Propodus straight, elongate. Dactylus short. CHELIPED (pereopod 1; P 1). Unequal, bearing long and thick plumose setae on margins and surfaces of all articles, setae especially thicker on extensor and flexor margins of each article, ventral surface of merus and dorsal surface of chela. Merus robust, longer than broad, surfaces covered with numerous short rugae; dorsoflexor lobe low, marginally granulate, distally rounded and overreaching proximal margin of carpus; dorsodistal margin straight; ventral surface distally with strong subterminal spine. Carpus moderately elongate, 1.9 (1.8 – 1.9) times as long as broad, proximally narrowed; dorsoflexor margin generally straight, bearing granules arranged in irregular rows, granules bead-like or tubercle-like, generally irregular in size and spacing; extensor margin convex, rounded, with 3 – 5 small or tubercle-like spines on distal half, spine at distal end sometimes absent; dorsodistal and ventrodistal margins sinus; dorsal surface with longitudinal ridge on midline; dorsal and ventral surfaces with numerous scattered, short rugae. Palm compressed dorsoventrally, approximately 1.1 times as long as broad, 0.9 times length of carpus; chela (including fingers) 2.3 (2.2 – 2.4) times as long as broad, 1.2 (1.0 – 1.3) times carapace width; extensor margin denticulate; dorsoflexor margin with row of beaded granules; dorsal surface ridged on midline, with clusters of beaded granules along mid-ridge and numerous granules on extensor side; ventral surface with numerous rugae and distinct groove or depressed area near extensor margin extending onto mid-length of fixed finger. Fingers approximately 1.1 times as long as palm, tips hooked, crossed to each other distally; dorso-extensor margin of dactylus ridged with beaded granules; dorsal and ventral surfaces of both fingers covered with short rugae; occlusal edges in larger chela with broad, triangular median tooth on fixed finger and produced, triangular basal tooth on dactylus; occlusal edges in smaller chela straight, each with row of small teeth. Dorsal surfaces of palm and fingers usually less granulate or smooth in large male individuals. AMBULATORY LEGS (pereopods 2 – 4; P 2 – 4). Each article mesio-laterally compressed, without spine but bearing thick plumose setae on margins and few short setae on surfaces. Meri slender, subequal in width but decreasing in length posteriorly; P 2 merus 3.6 (3.4 – 3.8) times as long as broad, P 3 and P 4 merus approximately 0.9 and 0.6 times length of P 2 merus, respectively; extensor and flexor margins generally straight. Carpi subequal in width; P 2 carpus approximately 0.4 length of merus, 2.4 times as long as broad, P 3 and P 4 carpi approximately 0.8 times length of P 2 carpus; extensor and flexor margins straight. Propodi subequal in width, P 2 propodus approximately half length of P 2 merus, 3.1 times as long as broad, P 3 and P 4 propodi 0.9 and 0.7 times length of P 2 propodus, respectively; extensor margin slightly convex; flexor margin straight. Dactyli gradually narrowed distally, approximately 0.8 – 0.9 times length of propodi; extensor and flexor margins straight. PLEOPODS. Males with pair of well-developed pleopods modified as gonopods on second abdominal somite. Females with pair of slender pleopods on each third to fifth abdominal somites. Coloration in life Carapace generally brown and white. Anterior part of carapace and dorsal surfaces of chelipeds with blue or purple patches. Plumose setae light brown. Habitat Muddy and sandy-muddy bottoms of subtidal and lower intertidal zones.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F187946425FFB7FE42E3027FDAFEBF.taxon	distribution	Distribution Northern Chinese coastal waters (north of the Taiwan Strait), the Korean Peninsula; intertidal to depths 30 m.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
03F187946425FFB7FE42E3027FDAFEBF.taxon	discussion	Remarks Raphidopus xinzhengi sp. nov. is morphologically most similar to R. ciliatus in having the following characters: the carapace branchial margin has spines and is separated from the hepatic margin by a narrow notch, and the P 1 carpus has a row of spines on the extensor margin and a longitudinal ridge on the midline of the dorsal surface. The new species, however, differs from R. ciliatus by the irregularly arranged granules on the dorsoflexor margin of P 1 carpus, the comparatively shorter P 1 carpus (1.8 – 1.9 times as long as broad; average 1.9, n = 10), P 1 chela (1.0 – 1.3 times carapace width; average 1.2, n = 10) and P 2 merus (3.4 – 3.8 times as long as broad; average 3.6, n = 10). Additionally, the granules on the dorsoflexor margin of P 1 carpus in the new species are generally variable in size, shape and spacing, and are not linearly arranged. While in R. ciliatus, the P 1 carpus (2.0 – 2.2 times as long as broad; average 2.1, n = 10), the P 1 chela (1.3 – 1.8 times the carapace width; average 1.4, n = 10) and the P 2 merus (4.3 – 4.7 times as long as broad; average 4.5, n = 10) are much elongated; especially the granules on the P 1 carpus are generally uniform in size and evenly spaced, and arranged linearly. In addition, the new species has no spine or comparatively short, reduced spine (s) on the posterolateral ridges of the carapace and short spines on the extensor margin of the P 1 carpus. The posterolateral ridge of the carapace is unarmed on nearly half of the individuals examined, and the spine at the distal end of the extensor margin of P 1 carpus is usually absent. The new species also resembles R. dhritiae in the armature of the carapace and chelipeds, and the size of the P 1 carpus and P 2 merus. The new species differs from R. dhritiae in having a fissure or narrow V-shaped notch between the hepatic and branchial margins, no spine or a single (rarely two) small spine on the posterolateral ridge of the carapace, comparatively narrower antennular basal article (as long as broad), and a broad median tooth on the occlusal edge of the P 1 fixed finger; whereas in R. dhritiae, there is a broader U-shaped notch between the hepatic and branchial margins, two distinct spines on the posterolateral ridge of the carapace, a much broader antennular basal article, and two broad teeth (subproximal and distal) on the occlusal edge of the P 1 fixed finger. In addition, according to the illustration by Mitra et al. (2024), the thoracic sternite 3 of R. dhritiae is comparatively lower antero-posteriorly than those in R. xinzhengi sp. nov. and R. ciliatus. Both R. xinzhengi sp. nov. and R. ciliatus have a longitudinal groove or depressed area on the extensor side of the ventral surface of the P 1 palm, a significant feature that readily distinguishes the two species from other tropical Indo-Pacific species such as R. indicus, R. brevipes and R. Johnsoni (Osawa & Ng 2018). This character, however, is undocumented in R. persicus and R. dhritiae. Based on our surveys and sampling, the distribution of R. xinzhengi sp. nov. is restricted to waters north of the Taiwan Strait; therefore, it should be endemic to the marginal seas of the northwest Pacific, including the East China Sea and Yellow Sea The specimens reported by Kim & Kim (2017) from the Deuk-Ryang Bay, South Korea, exhibit short P 1 carpus, consistent with the characters observed in the new species. The current records indicate that the species occurs exclusively in the northern waters of the West Pacific.	en	Wang, Bin, Wan, Yuhan, Fang, Xuefeng, Qiu, Jian-Wen, Dong, Dong (2026): Integrative taxonomy reveals a new cryptic species of Raphidopus Stimpson, 1858 (Decapoda, Anomura, Porcellanidae) from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 202-222, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3247, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3247/14373
