A redescription of Acanthonyx Petiverii H. Milne Edwards, 1834, and designation of a neotype for Acanthonyx Simplex Dana, 1852 (Brachyura, Majidae)

Abstract

The identity of the problematic spider crab species, Acanthonyx simplex Dana, 1852, originally described from Hawaii and never reported since, is resolved. It is here shown to be identical to Acanthonyx petiverii H. Milne Edwards, 1834, a species that is widely distributed on both sides of the American continent. The supposed type locality of Acanthonyx simplex is almost certainly wrong. Acanthonyx petiverii, nevertheless, is a highly variable species and, as such, is redescribed in detail. To ensure a stable taxonomy for these species and the genus, a neotype for A. simplex is designated. RESUMENLa problemática identidad de la especie de cangrejo araña Acanthonyx simplex Dana, 1852, originalmente descrita para las costas de Hawai y nunca estudiada desde entonces, ha sido determinada. Aquí se demuestra que es idéntica a Acanthonyx petiverii Milne Edwards, 1834, especie que se distribuye en ambas costas del continente Americano. La supuesta localidad tipo de Acanthonyx simplex es, casi con certeza, un dato erróneo. Acanthonyx petiverii, no obstante, es una especie altamente variable morfológicamente y, en consecuencia, se redescribe en detalle. Para estabilizar la taxonomía, se designa un neotipo para la especie A. simplex.

Range extensions along western Atlantic for Epialtidae crabs (Brachyura, Majoidea) genera Acanthonyx Latreille, 1828 and Epialtus H. Milne Edwards, 1834

“…Milne Edwards, 1834 (Coelho and Torres, 1993), another species that also occurs in Brazil and Mexico (Retamal, 1981;Hiyodo et al, 1994;Hendrickx, 1999;Marcano and Bolaños, 2001;Emparanza et al, 2007;present study). Acanthonyx dissimulatus has not been cited from Mexico possibly because of misidentification for A. petiverii.…”

“…The family Epialtidae MacLeay, 1838 includes 76 genera, among them Acanthonyx Latreille, 1828 and Epialtus H. Milne Edwards, 1834 with 17 and 11 valid species, respectively (Emparanza et al, 2007;Ng et al, 2008).…”