Turleania boucheti, McLAUGHLIN, 2007

McLAUGHLIN, Patsy A., 2007, New records and a new species in the genus Turleania McLaughlin, 1997 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura, Paguridae) from MUSORSTOM cruises, with a key to species, Zoosystema 29 (3), pp. 583-593 : 586-592

Turleania boucheti n. sp.

( Figs 1 B-H; 2A, B)

HOLOTYPE. — Wallis and Futuna economic zone. MUS- ORSTOM 7 , stn DW 541, 12°26.7’S, 177°28.0’W, 608- 600 m, 19.V.1992, ♀ (3.3 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7727).

PARATYPES. — New Caledonia. MUSORSTOM 5, stn DW 272, 24°40.91’S, 159°43.00’E, 500-540 m, 9.X.1986, 1 ♀ (1.5 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7728).

BIOCAL, stn DW 33, 23°09.71’S, 167°10.27’E, 675 m, 29.VIII.1985, 2 ♂♂ (2.4, 2.6 mm), 1 ovig. ♀ (2.6 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7729).

Wallis and Futuna economic zone. MUSORSTOM 7, stn DW 530, 12°32.7’S, 176°39.3’W, 580-600 m, 16. V.1992, 1 ♂ (2.8 mm), 1 ♀ (3.2 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7730). — Stn DW 557, 11°41.1’S, 178°18.2’W, 608- 600 m, 19. V.1992, 1 ♂ (2.3 mm, pleon missing), 1 ♀ (3.0 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7731).

OTHER MATERIAL EXAMINED. — New Caledonia. BIO- CAL, stn DW 33, 23°09.71’S, 167°10.27’E, 675 m, 29.VIII.1985, 2 ♂♂ (2.1, 2.1 mm), 1 ♀ (1.7 mm), 1 ovig. ♀ (2.3 mm), 1 specimen not removed from shell (MNHN-Pg 7732).

Wallis and Futuna economic zone. MUSORSTOM 7, stn DW 529, 12°31.4’S, 176°39.6’W, 500 m, 16. V.1992, 1 ovig. ♀ (3.6 mm, badly damaged) (MNHN-Pg 7733). — Stn DW 535, 12°29.6’S, 176°41.3’E, 470- 340 m, 16. V.1992, 1 ♂ (2.7 mm, no chelipepds) (MNHN-Pg 7734).

ETYMOLOGY. — This species is named for Prof. Philippe Bouchet in recognition of his considerable and continuing contributions to the success of the MUSORSTOM exploratory program.

DISTRIBUTION. — Presently known only from New Caledonia and the Wallis, Alofi and Futuna Islands areas; 340-675 m.

DESCRIPTION

Shield ( Fig. 1B ) approximately as long as broad to distinctly longer than broad; anterior margin between rostrum and lateral projections concave; anterolateral margins terraced or sloping; posterior margin roundly truncate; dorsal surface often with anterior gastric region circumscribed by sparse tufts of setae. Rostrum triangular, reaching slightly to well beyond level of lateral projections, terminating acutely or subacutely. Lateral projections well developed, obtusely triangular, each with prominent marginal spine.

Ocular peduncles (including corneas) 0.3-0.6 length of shield, moderately stout; corneas prominently dilated, corneal diameter 0.5-0.7 of peduncular length. Ocular acicles acutely triangular, terminally subacute, each with prominent submarginal spine; mesial margins each with row of fine setae.

Antennular peduncles elongate, overreaching distal margins of corneas by slightly less to slightly more than entire lengths of ultimate peduncular segments; ultimate segments each with transverse row of long setae at distal margin and 1 or 2 lon- gitudinal rows of shorter setae on dorsal surface, at least in distal half. Penultimate segments with few scattered setae. Basal segments each with small acute spine on lateral face of statocyst lobe.

Antennal peduncles overreaching distal corneal margins by approximately 0.5 lengths of ultimate segments. Fifth and fourth segments with scattered moderate to long setae. Third segment unarmed or with very small spinule on ventrodistal margin. Second segment with dorsolateral distal angle produced, terminating in simple spine, occasionally supplemental tiny spinule on lateral or mesial margin; dorsomesial distal angle with spine. First segment with or without subacute spine on ventrolateral distal angle. Antennal acicle moderately long, reaching to or beyond proximal 0.2 of ultimate peduncular segment, unarmed but with few setae terminally and on mesial surface. Antennal flagellum with 1 or 2 moderately long and 1-4 shorter setae every 1 or 2 articles, at least in proximal half.

Third maxilliped with crista dentata comprised of 10-12 small teeth, most proximal 2 or 3 largest.

Chelipeds with right appreciably stouter than left, but not necessarily longer. Dactyl of right chela ( Fig. 2A ) usually approximately equal to slightly longer than palm and slightly shorter than fixed finger, occasionally distinctly shorter; dorsomesial margin not delimited; surfaces unarmed but all with covering of low, short slightly elevated ridges provided with moderately dense long setae not concealing integument, or simply with scattered moderate to long setae. Palm 0.7-0.8 length of carpus, dorsal and ventral surfaces convex, unarmed but each with covering of similar short, low, transverse ridges and moderate to long setae, densest dorsally, or simply scattered moderate to long setae; rounded mesial and lateral faces each also with rows of very low, short, transverse ridges and moderate to long setae; cutting edge of fixed finger with 2 moderately large calcareous teeth proximally, simple calcareous ridge distally, terminating in small calcareous claw. Carpus varying from equal to nearly twice length of merus; dorsomesial margin with 1 distal or subdistal spine and 2 or 3 short, transverse, often spinose ridges more proximally, dorsodistal margin unarmed or rarely with small spine, dorsal surface with numerous short, transverse lines or low ridges with moderate to long setae; mesial, lateral and ventral surfaces all with long setae, scattered or forming moderately dense covering but not concealing integument. Merus with transverse rows of fine setae on dorsal surface; mesial, lateral and ventral surfaces with scattered setae; ventrolateral distal angle often with small spine or spinule. Ischium unarmed but with ventral setae.

Left cheliped ( Fig. 2B ) with dactyl very slightly overlapped by fixed finger; 1.1-1.3 length of palm; surfaces all unarmed but setation varying from low ridges with moderate to long setae forming covering but not concealing integument to simply scattered setae; cutting edges of dactyl and fixed finger each with row of tiny calcareous teeth, terminating in small calcareous claw. Chela unarmed, setation on convex dorsal and ventral surfaces both varying from low ridges with moderate to long setae to simply scattered setae; rounded lateral and mesial faces also with numerous long setae. Carpus usually slightly longer than both chela and merus; surfaces unarmed but with scattered or covering of moderate to long setae, 1 spinule or small spine at or just posterior to poorly delineated dorsomesial distal angle. Merus with short, transverse rows of setae on dorsal surface; lateral, mesial and ventral surfaces with scattered moderate to long setae; ventromesial and ventrolateral distal margins each usually with spine or spinule, smallest mesially. Ischium unarmed, but with ventral setae.

Ambulatory legs ( Fig. 1C, D ) similar; dactyls 1.1-1.3 length of propodi; dorsal surfaces each with row of moderately long, stiff setae; ventral margins lacking corneous spines, but each with numerous long setae; lateral faces each with few scattered long setae; mesial faces each with few setae distally. Propodi with scattered setae dorsally and ventrally. Carpi each with small dorsodistal spine; dorsal and ventral surfaces with scattered setae. Meri and ischia each with scattered setae dorsally and ventrally. Fourth pereopods ( Fig. 1F ) subchelate or very weakly semichelate; propodal rasp consisting of single row of sharp corneous scales. Sternite of third pereopods with roundly subquadrate anterior lobe ( Fig. 1E ), unarmed or with 1 or 2 small spines or tubercles at outer anterior angles. Sternite of fifth pereopods ( Fig. 1G ) roundly subquadrate, surface with numerous long setae.

Males with long sexual tube developed from coxa of left fifth pereopod ( Fig. 1G ), with terminal tuft of moderate to long setae; right coxa often with very short sexual tube produced and partially concealed by long setae. Male and female pleopods typical for genus. Telson ( Fig. 1H ) with slight transverse indentations indicating very unequal anterior and posterior portions, latter largest; posterior lobes triangular, symmetrical or nearly so, separated by narrow, deep, V-shaped median cleft, oblique inner margins each with 2-4 small to moderately prominent spines, terminating in prominent simple or bifid spine.

Colour in preservative

Ground colour white. Carpi of chelipeds each with patch of orange on dorsomesial surface distally and dorsolateral surface proximally; meri each with patch of orange dorsally on mesial and lateral face in distal half. Second and third pereopods each with incomplete band of orange on propodus distally, on carpus medianly, and on merus proximally.

REMARKS

Initially, it appeared that Turleania boucheti n. sp. was represented by two distinct populations, one located in the Wallis and Futuna economic zone and the second found south of the Isle of Pines in the New Caledonia economic zone. Specimens from the Wallis and Futuna area were consistently larger in overall body size and exhibited a moderately dense covering of long setae on the chelae. In contrast, the specimens from south of the Isle of Pines were smaller, yet mature, but had only sparse and scattered setae on the chelae. However, one female specimen collected in the Chesterfield Plateau region of the New Caledonia economic zone, although similar to the Isle of Pines specimens in body size, had the same moderately dense covering of long setae seen in the specimens from the Pacific Plate region considerably further north and east. It can only be concluded that body size may be geographically influenced while setation in this species is variable.

Turleania boucheti n. sp. is similar to T. sibogae in having the dorsal surfaces of the chelae unarmed; however, the chelae of the new species are entirely devoid of spines, whereas a row of widely-spaced spines is present on the dorsomesial margin of the right chela of T. sibogae . A more significant difference is found on the ventral margins of the dactyls of the second and third pereopods. These margins are provided only with long setae in T. boucheti n. sp., but in all other species of the genus, these margins each have a row of corneous spines.

Turleania senticosa ( McLaughlin & Haig, 1996) ( Fig. 2C, D )

Laurentia senticosa McLaughlin & Haig, 1996: 87 , figs 3E, 6.

Turleania senticosa – McLaughlin 1997: 447, fig. 11hk. — Komai 1999: 50. — Asakura 2006: 136, figs 2C-E, 3.

Turleania similis Komai, 1999: 50 , figs 27-30. — Komai et al. 2002: 56. — Asakura 2006: 52.

? Turleania similis – Asakura 2006: 136.

? Turleania spinimanus – Asakura 2006: 136, not Turleania spinimanus Komai, 1999 .

HOLOTYPE. — Seram Ceram , Indonesia. Siboga stn 166, 02°28.5’S, 131°03.3’E, 118 m 22.VIII.1899, ♂ (1.8 mm) ( ZMA Crust. DE.20176a).

PARATYPES. — Same data as holotype, 1 ♂ (1.3 mm), 1 ♀ (1.4 mm) ( ZMA Crust. DE.20176b).

NEW MATERIAL EXAMINED. — New Caledonia. MUS- ORSTOM 4, stn DW 204, 22°37.00’S, 167°05.70’E, 120 m, 27.IX.1985, 1 ♂ (1.7 mm, no appendages), 1 ♀ (2.3 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7719). — Stn DW 225, 22°52.50’S, 167°23.50’E, 590-600 m, 30.IX.1985, 1 ♀ (1.8 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7720).

MUSORSTOM 5, stn DW 263, 25°21.30’S, 159°46.44’E, 225- 150 m, 8.X.1986, 1 ♂ (1.3 mm, poor condition), 1 ovig. ♀ (1.3 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7721). — Stn DW 346, 19°30.77’S, 158°27.07’E, 345- 252 m, 17.X.1986, 2 ♂♂ (1.4, 1.8 mm), 1 ovig. ♀ (1.5 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7722). — Stn DW 349, 19°34.45’S, 158°34.48’E, 275 m, 17.X.1986, 1 ♂ (2.0 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7723). — Stn DW 350, 19°34.00’S, 158°35.30’E, 180 m, 17.X.1986, 2 ♂ (1.7, 2.3 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7724). — Stn DW 353, 19°26.50’S, 158°40.40’E, 290 m, 18.X.1986, 1 ♂ (0.9 mm), 1 ♀ (2.3 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7725). — MUSORSTOM 6, stn DW 462, 21°05.10’S, 167°26.85’E, 200 m, 21.II.1989, 1 ♂ (1.5 mm) (MNHN-Pg 7726).

DISTRIBUTION. — Southern Sea of Japan, Japanese Ogasawara Islands, Philippine Islands, Indonesia, and now New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands ; 85-590 m, possibly to 600 m.

COLORATION (in formalin)

Shield mottled yellow-orange and white, with few small darker orange areas; ocular peduncles whitish in distal 0.4-0.5 and orange in proximal 0.2-0.3; ocular acicles whitish, with tips orange. Antennular peduncles generally whitish, each with distal, medial, and proximal narrow orange bands on ultimate segment; penultimate segment with subdistal narrow orange band. Antennal peduncles whitish, with fourth and second segments each orange distally and first segment pale orange; acicles with proximal 0.3-0.5 orange, remainder whitish. Right cheliped with both fingers generally white, each with subdistal narrow transverse orange band and proximal dark brown band. Palm generally faint orange, with seven longitudinal orange stripes and irregular distal orange area on dorsal surface and dark brown patch at mesial angle; very narrow dark brown areas on distal margins of dorsal and mesial faces. Carpus generally faint orange; dorsal surface with faint orange transverse band medially, spines on dorsomesial margin dark brown; mesial and lateral faces with few irregular faint orange areas. Merus generally faint orange or whitish, with few irregular faint orange patches on lateral, dorsal and mesial faces. Left cheliped with both fingers generally white, each with distal narrow transverse brown band and proximal narrow dark brown band. Palm generally faint orange, with six longitudinal orange stripes, and irregular distal orange area on dorsal face, small dark brown patch present at proximal angle mesially; narrow dark brown areas on distal margins of dorsal and mesial faces. Carpus generally faint orange; dorsal face with faint orange transverse band medially, spines on dorsomesial margin dark brown; mesial and lateral faces with few faint orange patches. Merus with some irregularly-shaped faint orange areas. Second and third pereopods generally similar, each segment with transverse faint orange bands on semitransparent white background: dactyls each with subdistal, medial, and proximal bands; propodi each with band in distal half and sometimes with irregular patch on proximal half of lateral face; carpi of second each with medial and proximal bands, third each with distal, medial and proximal bands; meri of second each with one proximal and two subdistal bands, third each with band in distal half and adjacent to proximal margin (after Asakura 2006).

REMARKS

Turleania senticosa was originally described on the basis of three quite small individuals, the male holotype being the largest with a shield length of 1.8 mm. The seven additional specimens, three males and four females, reported by McLaughlin (1997) from the Kai and Tanimbar Islands ranged in shield length from 1.5 to 2.3 mm. Shield lengths of the 14 specimens reported herein from New Caledonia varied from 0.9 to 2.3 mm, including two ovigerous females with shield lengths of 1.3 and 1.5 mm, respectively. Clearly, this species matures at a very small size. Even the smallest male (0.9 mm) had a moderately well developed left sexual tube. As indicated previously, the larger males exhibited development of a very short, but definitive right sexual tube as well.

Turleania similis was described on two specimens, a male holotype of 1.8 mm and a female paratype of 1.9 mm, and T. spinimanus on just the ovigerous female holotype (2.7 mm). Although Komai (1999) indicated an awareness of McLaughlin’s (1997) report of T. senticosa from the Indonesian KARUBAR expedition, he differentiated both of his taxa from the former species on the basis of McLaughlin & Haig’s (1996) original description of their species. McLaughlin (1997) noted that the dactyls of the left chelipeds in the Kai Islands specimens of T. senticosa , unlike those of the type series, were unarmed or had only a few spinules, and while the palms were described as armed with tiny spines; no mention was made of defining rows of spines on the dorsolateral margins. It was those two characters in the original description that led Komai (1999) to conclude that his T. similis from the Ogasawara Islands was distinct. In addition to the armature of the left chela, Komai (1999) differentiated his T. spinimanus from T. senticosa by the shape of the anterior lobe of the sternite of the third pereopods. Komai et al. (2002) remarked that the specimen, a male with shield length of 1.5 mm, collected subsequently from the southern Sea of Japan, agreed with the type material of T. similis with minor exceptions. These were more numerous spinules on the palm of the right cheliped and the coloration of the dactyls of the ambulatory legs. The latter difference Komai et al. (2002) attributed possibly to differences in preservation.

Asakura (2006) compared McLaughlin’s (1997) specimens of T. senticosa from the KARUBAR expedition with his material from the Ryukyu Islands to verify his identification of the species. Then noting the similarities in coloration between his material, preserved in formalin for two days, and Komai’s descriptions of coloration in formalin preserved specimens of T. similis and T. spinimanus, Asakura questionably placed both taxa in synonymy with T. senticosa .

The specimens of T. senticosa from New Caledonia exhibited variability in chela spination. In the case of the left chela ( Fig. 2C, D ) variation was such that some specimens could be considered T. senticosa while others agreed with T. similis . Variations in the development of a hiatus between the dactyl and fixed finger of the right chela, and in the armament and symmetry of the telson, as noted by McLaughlin (1997), were also seen in the New Caledonia specimens. However, the “hammer-shaped” anterior lobe of the sternite of the third pereopods described for T. spinimanus was not observed in any of the recently examined material. Therefore, while it must be concluded that T. senticosa and T. similis are conspecific, T. spinicarpus is considered a valid taxon until such time as additional specimens exhibit variation in that anterior sternal lobe. The fact that all the New Caledonia specimens exhibited the prominent spines on the ventrodistal angles of the coxae of the chelipeds described by Komai (1999) for T. similis , but not mentioned either by McLaughlin & Haig (1996) or McLaughlin (1997) for T. senticosa is viewed simply as an oversight by the latter authors.

Figures

FIG. 1. — A, Turleania multispina McLaughlin, 1997, ovig. ♀ 2.9 mm, MUSORSTOM 4, stn CP 169 (MNHN-Pg 7717); B-H, Turleania boucheti n. sp., MUSORSTOM 7, stn DW 530 (MNHN-Pg 7730); B-F, H, paratype ♀ 3.2 mm; G, paratype ♂ 2.8 mm; A, B, shield and cephalic appendages (aesthetascs omitted); C, right second pereopod (lateral view); D, left third pereopod (lateral view); E, anterior lobe of sternite of third pereopods; F, propodus and dactyl of right fourth pereopod (lateral view,setae omitted); G, coxae and sternite of fifth pereopods; H, telson. Scale bars: 1 mm.

FIG. 2. — A, B, Turleania boucheti n. sp., paratype ♀ 3.2 mm, MUSORSTOM 7, stn DW 530 (MNHN-Pg 7730); A, chela and carpus of right cheliped (setae omitted); B, chela and carpus of left cheliped (setae omitted); C, D, Turleania senticosa (McLaughlin & Haig, 1996),left chela;C, ♂ 2.3 mm,MUSORSTOM 5, stn DW 350 (MNHN-Pg 7724); D, ♀ 2.3 mm, MUSORSTOM 5, stn DW 353 (MNHN-Pg 7725). Scale bars: 1 mm.