Larval development of<i>Clibanarius antillensis</i>Stimpson, 1859 (Crustacea: Anomura: Diogenidae) reared under laboratory conditions: a comparison between Panamanian and Brazilian populations

Abstract

Abstract The larval developmental sequences of Clibanarius antillensis Stimpson from first zoea through to megalopa are compared between laboratory-reared populations from Panama and Brazil. Only four zoeal stages are recorded for the Panamanian population, in contrast to four or five for the Brazilian larvae. Other differences in morphology are discussed and illustrated. Variations resulting from geographic differences and/or differing laboratory conditions raise the question of the validity of phylogenetic hypotheses based on single laboratory rearing events. Keywords : DecapodaDiogenidaeLarval developmentpopulationsmorphological variation