| Abstract |
A new genus, Harperalpheus, gen. nov., is established for H. pequegnatae,
sp. nov., on the basis of specimens collected from sandy subtidal sediments off
Galveston, Texas, and Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA. The holotype female, the largest
and most intact specimen of the type series, is ovigerous and bears an appendix
masculina on the second pleopod. The new genus is characterised by conspicuous,
robust, equal sized chelipeds, which distinguish it from other known sympatric
alpheid genera that lack an articulated posteroventral plate on the sixth abdominal
pleuron. Additional distinguishing features of Harperalpheus, gen. nov., are the
sharply produced pterygostomial angle of the carapace, orbital hoods concealing
the eyes in dorsal view and lacking extracorneal teeth, the distinct rostrum having a
posteriorly extended ventrorostral keel, and the third maxilliped bearing a uniquely
bilobed lateral plate on the coxa and lacking an arthrobranch.While this new species
is not readily allied to any presently known alpheid genus, it appears to have some
affinities with Coutieralpheus Anker and Felder, 2005, Salmoneus Holthuis, 1955,
and Parabetaeus Couti`ere, 1896. |
