Typhlopseudothelphusa
Typhlopseudothelphusa | |
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Typhlopseudothelphusa juberthiei | |
Typhlopseudothelphusa mitchelli | |
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Genus: | Typhlopseudothelphusa Rioja, 1952
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Typhlopseudothelphusa is a genus of subterranean-adapted (troglobionts) crabs in the family Pseudothelphusidae, containing the following species:
- Typhlopseudothelphusa acanthochela Hobbs, 1986
- Typhlopseudothelphusa hyba Rodríguez & Hobbs, 1989
- Typhlopseudothelphusa juberthiei Delamare Debouteville, 1976
- Typhlopseudothelphusa mitchelli Delamare Debouteville, 1976
- Typhlopseudothelphusa mocinoi Rioja, 1952
Description
[edit]All known Typhlopseudothelphusa species are adapted to the subterranean realm. They are depigmented (lack pigment), have no to highly reduced eyes/ eye stalks, and have elongated and slender appendages. As with all organisms adapted to the subterranean environment, these crabs occur in the deepest reaches of caves--known as the cave deep zone.[1]
Etymology
[edit]The suffix Typhlo- from the genus name Typhlopseudothelphusa is derived from Greek typhlos for "blind", because complete blindness of the crabs from this genus due to the troglobitic lifestyle.
Distribution
[edit]Typhlopseudothelphusa crabs are known from fresh water in karstic caves from Central America.
References
[edit]- ^ Howarth, F.G. (1980). "The Zoogeography of Specialized Cave Animals: A Bioclimatic Model". Evolution.