Garthinia disica, Forges, Bertrand Richer De & Ng, Peter K. L., 2009

Forges, Bertrand Richer De & Ng, Peter K. L., 2009, New genera, new species and new records of Indo-West Pacific spider crabs (Crustacea: Brachyura: Epialtidae: Majoidea), Zootaxa 2025, pp. 1-20 : 7-8

Garthinia disica n. sp.

Figs. 4 , 5 , 11 B

Material examined. Solomon Islands. SALOMONBOA: Stn. CP 2798, 8°44.85’S 160°58.76’E, 314–410 m, 16 September 2007: 1 ovigerous female holotype (32.6 x 18.8 mm) ( MNHN B31855), 1 ovigerous female paratype (35.1 x 19.6 mm, one rostral spine broken) ( ZRC 2009.0021), 1 male paratype (22.7 x 13.3 mm) ( MNHN B31856).

Diagnosis. Relatively small-size species (ovigerous female 32.6–35.1 mm carapace length). Carapace triangular, with sharp branchial angles. Surface of carapace relatively flat, with numerous tubercles. Rostrum with 2 long, parallel rostral spines adjoining along entire length, nearly same length as carapace. Carapace completely covered by short tomentum of cone-shaped setae which resemble short spines. Gastric region elevated, with 4 large tubercles; cardiac region raised, highest point with 2 large granules, several smaller ones on posterior border; rounded intestinal granule close to posterior border of carapace; branchial region expanded laterally, forming blunt angle, surface of region with 3 granules; subhepatic region fused with postocular tooth, separated from branchial area by large gap. Eyes small, round, with short eyestalk. Supraocular eave poorly developed, separated from postocular tooth by deep fissure, anteriorly forming a blunt angle. Lateral border of carapace with row of sub-branchial granules, anterior one strongest; another group of granules under subhepatic region on border of pterygostomian region. Short antennae arriving at beginning of rostral spines. Basal antennal article stout, fused to carapace. Buccal frame quadrangular; third maxilliped operculiform. Cheliped slightly shorter than P2: merus short, rounded in cross section, with 2 blunt teeth on distal end; carpus short; propodus slightly inflated, compressed laterally, fingers curved with few teeth. Ambulatory legs short, covered with conical setae giving spiny appearance; dactylus curved, sharp, claw-like. Anterior thoracic sternal sutures interrupted medially. Abdomen with 7 somites including telson. G1 relatively slender, straight, slightly curved at tip ( Fig. 5 D, E); G2 relatively short ( Fig. 5 F, G).

Etymology. From sica, Latin for “dagger” or “sword,” and di, Latin for “double,” alluding to the two parallel rostral spines.

Remarks. Garthinia disica n. sp. has a very peculiar carapace shape, being relatively flattened, branchially enlarged and with a very long double rostrum ( Fig. 4 ). The differences with allied genera have been discussed in the remarks for the genus.

Figures

FIGURE 4. Garthinia disica n. sp. A – C, holotype ovigerous female (32.6 x 18.8 mm) (MNHN- B 31855); D, E, paratype male (22.7 x 13.3 mm) (MNHN-B). A, overall dorsal view; B, lateral view of carapace; D, dorsal view of carapace; C, E, thoracic sternum and abdomen.

FIGURE 5. Garthinia disica n. sp., paratype male (22.7 x 13.3 mm) (MNHN-B 31856). A, dorsal view of carapace; B, face, showing antennae, antennules and third maxillipeds; C, lateral view of carapace; D, E, G 1; F, G, G 2. Scales: A – C = 5.0 mm; D, E = 2.0 mm; F, G = 1.0 mm.

FIGURE 11. Colours in life. A, Oxypleurodon sanctaeclausi n. sp., paratype ovigerous female (18.7 x 16.8 mm) (ZRC 2009.0018); B, Garthinia disica n. sp., paratype male (22.7 x 13.3 mm) (MNHN-B 31856); C, Guinotinia cordis n. sp., holotype male (23.0 x 16.3 mm) (MNHN-B 31857); D, Laubierinia carinata (Griffin & Tranter, 1986), male (26.7 x 22.5 mm) (MNHN-B 31864).