Actaea grimaldii, Bouchet & Isyeb, 2015

Ng, Peter K. L. & Bouchet, Philippe, 2015, Actaea grimaldii, a new species of reef crab from Papua New Guinea (Crustacea, Brachyura, Xanthidae), European Journal of Taxonomy 140, pp. 1-18 : 3-11

publication ID

https://doi.org/ 10.5852/ejt.2015.140

publication LSID

lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A44ED7CD-AEC4-46F8-8361-796DD49D6CF6

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3794589

persistent identifier

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/A736C0FE-D2B4-4256-AB85-4370386B0231

taxon LSID

lsid:zoobank.org:act:A736C0FE-D2B4-4256-AB85-4370386B0231

treatment provided by

Carolina

scientific name

Actaea grimaldii
status

sp. nov.

Actaea grimaldii View in CoL sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A736C0FE-D2B4-4256-AB85-4370386B0231

Figs 1–5 View Fig View Fig View Fig View Fig View Fig

Actaea peronii var. squamosa View in CoL – Calman 1900: 10 (not Actaea squamosa Henderson, 1893 View in CoL ).

Actaea spinosissima View in CoL – Odhner 1925: 59 (part). — Serène 1984: 115, pl. 14F. — Davie 2002: 511 (not Actaea spinosissima Borradaile, 1902 View in CoL ).

Diagnosis

Anterior surfaces of carapace regions (1M, 2M, 3M, 2L, 5L) covered with numerous short sharp spines and sharp tubercles of varying sizes, 2M and 2L surface gently convex, not distinctly inflated in frontal view, 2M separated by median longitudinal groove anteriorly, 4M lunate, with sharp granules; 1P flattened, divided into many smaller regions by shallow grooves, with distinct transverse groove on anterior third, confluent with series of flattened granules on 3R, 2R and 1R ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4A View Fig ); frontal margins lined by sharp granules, 1F and 2F with many sharp spines which project anteriorly, hiding frontal margin from dorsal view ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2 View Fig A–B, 3A–B, 4A); anterolateral margin with 4 spines (excluding external orbital spine), each with smaller spine or spines basal to it on sub-branchial surface ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4A View Fig ); suborbital and subhepatic regions covered with numerous small, sharp granules ( Figs 2B View Fig , 3B View Fig ); third maxilliped with outer surfaces pitted ( Fig. 5A View Fig ); outer surfaces of chelipeds with numerous sharp spines and sharp tubercles, with small, sharp granules interspersed, carpus ovate, inner angle with several short, slightly curved spines, outer surface of chela with strong spines, inner surface of chela with median spine and several smaller sharp tubercles and granules ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , C–D, 3A, C–D); ambulatory legs short, outer surfaces of merus, carpus and propodus covered with sharp tubercles or granules, dorsal margins of merus, carpus and dactylus with numerous sharp spines, ventral margin of dactylus with subterminal tubercle, with scattered long, simple setae, some of which extend beyond tip of dactylus ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4C View Fig ); thoracic sternum with surface distinctly pitted ( Figs 1B View Fig , 5B View Fig ); male abdomen longitudinally narrow, surfaces of sternites 1–3 pitted ( Fig. 5C View Fig ); G1 elongate, gently sinuous, distal part curves upwards ( Fig. 5 View Fig D–F).

Etymology

The species name is in honour of His Serene Highness Albert II, Prince of Monaco, patron of the PAPUA NIUGINI Expedition and several other biodiversity expeditions of the “Our Planet Reviewed” programme conducted by MNHN and Pro-Natura International. The red and white colour pattern of the new species also alludes to the colours associated with the House of Grimaldi.

Type material

Holotype

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Madang District, Expedition PAPUA NIUGINI, stn PB35, outer slope, south of Sek Is., 05°07.0’S 145°49.4’E, 12 m, 4 Dec. 2012, 1 ♂, 6.2 × 4.4 mm ( MNHN IU 2013-921 ).

GoogleMaps

Paratypes

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: same data as holotype, 1 ♂, 5.1 × 3.8 mm ( ZRC, ex MNHN IU 2013-920); Madang District, Expedition PAPUA NIUGINI, stn PR17, west of Kranket Is., 05°11.8’S 145°48.8’E, 15 m, 11 Nov. 2012, 1 ♀, 10.2 × 7.8 mm ( ZRC, ex MNHN IU 2013-1245); Expedition PAPUA NIUGINI, stn PR05, Kranket Is., 05°11.3’S 145°49.6’E, 7 Nov. 2012, 1 ♀, 8.5 × 6.2 mm ( MNHN IU 2013-222); Expedition PAPUA NIUGINI, stn PB28, east of Kranket Is., 05°11.9’S 145°49.6’E, 10 m, 24 Nov. 2012, 1 young ♀, 6.7 × 4.9 mm ( MNHN IU 2013-759).

Comparative material

Actaea spinosissima Borradaile, 1902

MALDIVES: Mahlos Atoll, 23 fathoms, J.S. Gardiner coll., holotype, ♂, 5.1 × 3.4 mm (juvenile, no gonopods) ( CUMZ I.63106).

BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY: Great Chagos Bank, stn CH 0666, outer reef, among dead branching coral heads, 10 m, Brothers Island, C. Head & H. Koldewey coll., 28 Feb. 2013, 1 ♂, 8.9 × 6.6 mm ( ZRC).

Actaea polyacantha (Heller, 1861)

GUAM: southwest of Orote Peninsula, G. Paulay coll., 15–18 Apr. 2000, 1 ♀ ( ZRC 2000.731). PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Expedition PAPUA NIUGINI, stn PB17, outer slope, Sek Is., 05°04.9’S 145°49.3’E, 26 m, 14 Nov. 2012, 1 ♀, 6.4 × 4.9 mm ( ZRC, ex MNHN IU 2013-1255).

Actaea peronii (H. Milne Edwards, 1834)

AUSTRALIA: New South Wales, M. Ward coll., 2 ♀♀ ( ZRC 1969.12.27.3–4).

Description

Regions well demarcated, separated by distinct grooves, anterior surfaces (notably 1M, 2M, 3M, 2L, 5L) covered with numerous spines and sharp tubercles of varying sizes; 2M and 2L surface gently convex, does not appear inflated in frontal view; 2M separated by median longitudinal groove anteriorly; 3M subtriangular, with sharp spines; 4M lunate, with sharp granules; 1P flattened, divided into many smaller regions by shallow grooves, with distinct transverse groove on anterior third, confluent with series of flattened granules on 3R, 2R and 1R; 2O transversely narrow, low; 2P raised, surface rounded ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4A View Fig ). Frontal margin bilobate, lobes separated by broad, U-shaped cleft; margins lined by sharp granules; 1F and 2F with many sharp spines which project anteriorly, hiding frontal margin from dorsal view ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2 View Fig A–B, 3A–B, 4A). Supraorbital margin with 3 distinct spines; orbit short, ovate; eye completely filling orbit; peduncle short, stout, with several dorsal granules; cornea large, with granule basally ( Figs 2 View Fig A–B, 3A–B, 4A–B). Anterolateral margin arcuate, with 4 spines (excluding external orbital spine), each with smaller basal spine or spines on sub-branchial surface; posterolateral margin gently concave, surfaces covered with small, flattened granules; posterior carapace gently sinuous, lined with small, flattened granules ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4A View Fig ).

Suborbital margin with 5 or 6 small spines; suborbital and subhepatic regions covered with numerous small, sharp granules; pterygostomian region almost smooth ( Figs 1H View Fig , 2B View Fig , 3B View Fig ). Antennules folding laterally ( Figs 2B View Fig , 3B View Fig ). Antenna with basal article quadrate, with 1 large and 1 small, sharp granule, mobile; flagellum short, at base of orbital hiatus ( Figs 2B View Fig , 3B View Fig ). Epistome transversely rectangular; anterior margin granulated; posterior margin with prominent median triangle, lateral margins sinuous ( Figs 2B View Fig , 3B View Fig ).

Third maxilliped relatively short; outer surfaces pitted; ischium subrectangular, with shallow but distinct submedian sulcus, inner margin dentate; merus quadrate, distolateral angle not distinctly auricular; exopod stout, distal end reaching to distolateral edge of merus, flagellum elongate, as wide as merus ( Fig. 5A View Fig ).

Chelipeds slightly asymmetrical; outer surfaces with numerous sharp spines and sharp tubercles, with small, sharp granules interspersed; inner and outer surfaces with scattered short, simple setae ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , C–D, 3A, C–D). Basis-ischium lined with small granules. Merus short, rounded; dorso-distal spine largest. Carpus ovate, inner angle with several short, curved spines ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig ). Chelae short, stout, palm longer than fingers, not pigmented black or dark brown; inner surface with median spine and several smaller sharp tubercles and granules ( Figs 2 View Fig C–D, 3C–D). Pollex with 2 low, longitudinal ridges, 1 submedian groove; cutting edge with 3 or 4 large, blade-like teeth; tip subspatuliform ( Figs 2 View Fig C–D, 3C–D). Dactylus with 1 distinct low, longitudinal ridge, 1 submedian groove; upper margin with 2–4 spines on proximal half, cutting edge with 2 larger teeth on proximal half, distal half with 2 or 3 low teeth; tip subspatuliform ( Figs 2 View Fig C–D, 3C–D).

Ambulatory legs short, stout; second pair longest; fourth pair shortest ( Figs 1 View Fig , 3A View Fig ). Basis-ischium lined with small granules. Outer surfaces of merus, carpus and propodus covered with sharp tubercles or granules ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4C View Fig ). Merus with dorsal margin armed with numerous sharp spines which gradually become smaller proximally, distal one largest; ventral margin lined with small, sharp granules ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4C View Fig ). Dorsal margins of carpus and propodus with several sharp spines; ventral margin of carpus with sharp granules; ventral margin of propodus with sharp spines ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4C View Fig ). Dactylus gently curved, surface covered with small, sharp granules; ventral margin with relatively larger subterminal tubercle; tip corneous; surfaces with scattered long, simple setae, those on second to third legs may be very long, extending well beyond tip of dactylus ( Figs 1 View Fig , 2A View Fig , 3A View Fig , 4C View Fig ). Dactylo-propodal lock well developed; distal margin of propodus with rounded median projection that overlaps ball-like swelling on proximal margin of dactylus ( Fig. 4C View Fig ).

Thoracic sternum with surface distinctly pitted ( Figs 1B View Fig , 5B View Fig ). Thoracic sternites 1 and 2 completely fused; sternites 2 and 3 separated by distinct transverse suture; sternites 3 and 4 completely fused except for lateral cleft ( Figs 1B View Fig , 5B View Fig ). Sternoabdominal cavity deep, reaching to median part of sternite 4 ( Figs 1B View Fig , 5C View Fig ). Male abdominal locking mechanism a knob-like process, on anterior third of sternite 5.

Male abdomen longitudinally narrow; surfaces of sternites 1–5 pitted ( Fig. 5C View Fig ). Somites 1 and 2 trapezoidal, completely covering surfaces of thoracic sternum between coxae of last pair of ambulatory legs, sternite 8 completely covered; somites 3–5 completely fused, median sutures not discernible; lateral margins concave; somite 6 rectangular, lateral margins gently sinuous, slightly longer than telson; telson triangular, lateral margins gently sinuous, tip rounded ( Fig. 5C View Fig ).

G1 elongate, gently sinuous, distal part curves upwards, subdistal surfaces with numerous long setae and spinules ( Fig. 5 View Fig D–F). G2 short, c. quarter of length of G1; proximal part sinuous, distal part spatuliform ( Fig. 5G View Fig ).

Females and variation

The females agree with the males in almost all non-sexual characters. A female measuring 6.7 × 4.9 mm (MNHN IU 2013-759) is still immature, with the abdomen triangular in shape. An adult female, 10.2 × 7.8 mm (pleopods fully setose, ZRC, ex MNHN IU 2013-1245), has an ovate abdomen that covers about half the surface of the thoracic sternum. The vulvae are small, positioned on the anterior half of sternite 6 submedially and each has a distinct opercular cover in the form of a narrow plate ( Fig. 4B View Fig ). There is hardly any variation in the diagnostic characters, although some of the specimens (e.g., ZRC, ex MNHN IU 2013-1245) are twice the size of the smaller crabs (e.g., ZRC, ex MNHN IU 2013-920).

The long, simple setae on the ambulatory legs are easily broken, and while obvious in fresh specimens ( Fig. 1 View Fig ), they are often lost in preserved material. The holotype male has a developed G1 ( Fig. 5 View Fig D–F) but does not appear to be fully mature. While the setae on the subdistal part of the G1 are long ( Fig. 5 View Fig E–F), they are simple and not plumose as is typical for actaeine gonopods (cf. Guinot 1976).

Colour

In life ( Fig. 1 View Fig ), the colour is a striking bright orange to red across the median part of the carapace, with the lateral regions white. There may be patches of white on the gastric and adjacent regions in smaller specimens. The legs are banded red and white, and the chelipeds are red and white, with parts yellowishwhite in colour. The fingers of the chela are reddish-orange basally and white at the tips. The ventral surfaces are white, but abdominal somites 1 and 2 may have large patches of red.

Distribution

This species is known for certain from the Moluccas and Papua New Guinea, and is probably also present in Australia.

ZRC

Zoological Reference Collection, National University of Singapore

MNHN

Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle

IU

Indiana University

CUMZ

Cameroon University, Museum of Zoology

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Malacostraca

Order

Decapoda

Family

Xanthidae

Genus

Actaea

Loc

Actaea grimaldii

Ng, Peter K. L. & Bouchet, Philippe 2015
2015
Loc

Actaea spinosissima

Davie P. J. F. 2002: 511
Serene R. 1984: 115
Odhner T. 1925: 59
1925
Loc

Actaea peronii var. squamosa

Calman W. T. 1900: 10
1900
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