Munida

Abstract: Previous studies have suggested that the high diversity associated with the Norfolk seamounts (Southwest Pacific) could reflect endemism resulting from limited dispersal due to hydrological phenomena. Crustaceans of the family Galatheidae are thoroughly studied in the New Caledonia economic zone permitting the analysis of species distribution pattern between the New Caledonia slope and Norfolk ridge seamounts. This analysis has shown that, qualitatively, the same species are sampled on seamounts and on the New Caledonia slope. Local endemism was never detected. However, on each seamount, and therefore on a small surface, a very high number of species are usually sampled, suggesting that seamounts are biodiversity hot spots. Then, to evaluate whether the seamounts constitute patches of isolated habitat, we explore the pattern of genetic diversity within several species of crustaceans and gastropods. Analysis of the intra-specific genetic structure using the mitochondrial marker COI reveals that populations of two Galatheidae species (Munida thoe and Munida zebra), polymorphic for this marker, are genetically not structured, both among seamounts and between the seamounts and the island slope. The genetic structure over a similar sampling scheme of two Eumunida species (Chirostylidae, the sister family of Galatheidae) and a planktotrophic gastropod (Sassia remensa) reveals a similar pattern. Population structure is observed only in Nassaria problematica, a non-planktotrophic gastropod with limited larvae dispersal. Thus, the limitation of gene flow between seamounts appears to be observed only for species with limited dispersal abilities. Our results suggest that the Norfolk seamounts rather than functioning as areas of endemism, instead, may be highly productive zones that can support numerous species in small areas.

Abstract: The high level classification of the Galatheoidea, popularly known as squat lobsters, has been relatively stable for almost a century Multiple recent studies of their interrelationships, however, have revealed significant incongruities between the traditional classification and phylogeny The Aeglidae, Chirostylidae and Kiwaidae were recently removed to other superfamilies On the basis of previous phylogenetic analyses, we herein revise the higher classification of the remaining Galatheoidea to comprise four families: Galatheidae, Munididae fam nov, Munidopsidae, and Porcellanidae The galatheoid families are both morphologically and ecologically distinct Members of the Munidopsidae are distinguished by the absence or reduction of the maxilliped 1 flagellum and usually occur in outer slope or abyssal habitats Members of the Munididae fam nov are united by the trifid or trispinous anterior margin of the carapace and usually occur at outer shelf or slope depths The Galatheidae includes primarily shallow water species, united by a broad, triangular rostrum, and is most closely related to the porcelain crabs, Porcellanidae The families of the Galatheoidea are diagnosed and a diagnostic key provided Extant and fossil genera are listed for each galatheoid squat lobster family

Abstract: A new species of the genus Munida Leach, 1820, is described and illustrated based on a single specimen from the deep-sea hydrothermal vent on the Eastern Pacific Rise. Munida alba sp. nov. closely resembles M. ampliantennulata Komai, 2011, M. watatsumin Komai, 2014. and M. magniantennulata, but differences in the morphologies of the third maxilliped, pollex of the cheliped and the third segment of the antennal peduncle readily distinguish the new species from the three relatives. The new species is the fourth of the genus occurring at the hydrothermal vent areas.

Abstract: Among twelve species of galatheid and one species of chirostylid Crustacea collected in the vicinity of Norfolk Canyon off eastern U.S.A., four galatheids, Munida iris iris, M. longipes, M. microphthalma and Munidopsis rostrata were found to be infested with bopyrid isopod parasites Munida iris iris was the most heavily parasitized host species with incidence of infestation by Anuropodione carolinensis ranging from 2.0-5.0%. Male M. iris iris were significantly more numerous than females and also had a greater incidence of infestation by bopyrids than females. The size of female A. carolinensis was found to be related to size of the host, which suggests simultaneous molts for both species. Male A. carolinensis were found to have pleons which were either fused, completely segmented, partly segmented or with slight lateral undulations. Significant size differences between males with fused, undulate, and segmented pleons may indicate impending feminization of males with segmented pleons. Single occurrences of bopyrids were observed on the other host species. Munida microphthalina was infested with Bonnieria americana. Munidion longipedis was found on Munida longipes and an undescribed bopyrid was found on Munidopsis rostrata.