| Abstract |
Descriptions of some decapod crustacean larvae of a plankton collection from the Gulf of Aqaba deal with Thalassinidea (Laomediidae, Upogebiidae, and Callianassidae) and Anomura (Galatheidae and Diogenidae).Discussion on generic larval characters is made particularly in Callianassidae and Diogenidae.Comparison of Laomediidae and Galatheidae larvae is summarized in tables I and II.The different arrangement of spines on some abdominal somites in Upogebiidae larvae is not a generic character but can be used, viz., in the form of distinctive larval species features.Because of confusion among the adult callianassid genera and the lack of knowledge in larval development, a definite generic identification is not possible.A key to the identification of Coenobitoidea larvae is provided.Larvae of the Coenobitidae and Calcinus are distinguished. |
