Decapod Crustacea of the Californian and Oregonian Zoogeographic Provinces
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abstract
Approximately 325 species of decapod crustaceans are reported from the Californian and Oregonian zoogeographic provinces, a figure that includes all freshwater, estuarine, and marine (intertidal zone to 4000 m) decapods from the area. At least six of these species have not been reported from California since 1921, three species cannot be recognized from their descriptions and lack type material and illustrations and another five species may have ben reported from mistaken localities or are the result of misidentification. The area is mostly inhabited by cold-temperate species. Genera endemic to the northeastern Pacific include the anomurans Janetogalathea (Galatheidae), Acantholithodes, Phyllolithodes, and Rhinolithodes (Lithodidae); and the brachyurans Mimulus (Epialtidae), Loxorhynchus, and Scyra (Pisidae). Families that are particularly diverse in species include carideans of the families Thoridae, Pandalidae, and Crangonidae; anomurans of the families Hapalogasteridae, Lithodidae, and Paguridae and brachyurans of the families Epialtidae, Cancridae, and Pinnotheridae. Crayfishes of the genus Pacifastacus (Astacidae) were endemic to the area prior to human introductions elsewhere. At least three estuarine and two freshwater decapods belonging to the families Palaemonidae, Cambaridae, Panopeidae and Varunidae have been introduced into the area and maintain reproducing populations. Keys are provided to all the families, genera, and species treated. A major synonymy, short description, and information on habitat, biogeography, type locality, and color in life are provided for each species. References are provided to the original descriptions of all taxa mentioned. Additional remarks on taxonomy, symbiotic associations, characteristic behavior, and other information that may help in identification also are given. New generic designations for Hippolyte affinis Owen, 1839 and H. layi Owen, 1839 (Thoridae) are supported. Expanded diagnoses are given for Heptacarpus franciscanus (Schmitt, 1921) (Thoridae), Isocheles pilosus (Holmes, 1900), and Paguristes parvus Holmes, 1900 (Diogenidae). 2012 Magnolia Press.
