Revision of the genus Ocypode with the description of a new genus, Hoplocypode (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura)

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of Ocypode Weber, 1795, has resulted in the recognition of a new genus, Hoplocypode containing a single species H. occidentalis (Stimpson, 1860) that is endemic to the East Pacific. Ocypode is now recognised to contain 21 valid species. Of these, one eastern Pacific, one western Atlantic, and two eastern Atlantic species tend to have widespread distributions within their respective regions. Conversely, many of the 17 Indo-Pacific species exhibit relatively restricted ranges. Only three of them, O. cordimanus, O. ceratophthalma and O. pallidula are widespread. Morphological features and their importance in identification are discussed, and a key to all species is provided.