Neoepilobocera Explained

Neoepilobocera gertraudae is a species of cave-dwelling crab from Cuba.

Classification

The species was first described by Gerhard Pretzmann as Epilobocera gertraudae in 1965. N. gertraudae is classified in the family Pseudothelphusidae, and is the only species in the genus Neoepilobocera.[1] It is considered by some authorities to be synonymous with the widespread Epilobocera cubensis.[2]

Distribution

It is only found in karstic caves in Viñales and nearby parts of Pinar del Río Province, Cuba.[3]

Description

Neoepilobocera gertraudae differs from the other freshwater crabs of Cuba, all in the genus Epilobocera, by its longer legs and paler coloration, both of which are adaptations to living in caves.[3] It is smaller than Epilobocera, reaching a carapace length of only, and with a flattened body.[3]

Notes and References

  1. . 2008 . 17 . 1–286 . Systema Brachyurorum: Part I. An annotated checklist of extant Brachyuran crabs of the world . Peter K. L. Ng . Danièle Guinot . Peter J. F. Davie . amp .
  2. Neil Cumberlidge . Epilobocera cubensis . 2008 . e.T134820A4018561 . 2008 . 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T134820A4018561.en . 9 January 2018.
  3. Domenico Capolongo . 2002 . The crabs of the inland waters of Cuba: the known species and new data on the genus Epilobocera (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) . . 58 . 31–47 .