On the identity of Porcellana paivacarvalhoi Rodrigues da Costa, 1968 (Crustacea: Anomura: Porcellanidae)

Abstract

Porcellana paivacarvalhoi Rodrigues da Costa, 1968, described from southeastern Brazil (São Sebastião, São Paulo), is morphologically similar to the eastern Atlantic P. platycheles (Pennant, 1777), and also to the west African P. africana Chace, 1956. The synonymy between P. paivacarvalhoi and P. platycheles was proposed by previous authors without examination of any specimens of P. platycheles, nor did they considered the morphological similarities between P. paivacarvalhoi and P. africana. This synonymy has been implicitly accepted without further analysis. The recent discovery of one male and two females syntypes of P. paivacarvalhoi has prompted new investigations into the status of P. paivacarvalhoi as a junior synonym either of P. platycheles or P. africana. Porcellana paivacarvalhoi is redescribed and illustrated based upon its lectotype herein designated. It is confirmed to be a junior synonym of P. platycheles; all evidence suggests that P. africana is a distinct, separate species. All previous records of P. platycheles from the Brazilian coast are reviewed. Its presence in southeastern Brazil in the late 1960’s most probably represents an historical case of human-mediated introduction by shipping activities. Porcellana platycheles did not manage to establish itself in São Sebastião, nor has it been recorded subsequently elsewhere in Brazil.