A new slipper lobster of the genus Galearctus Holthuis, 2002 (Decapoda, Scyllaridae) from Madagascar

Abstract

Comparison on the abundant material of Galearctus timidus (Holthuis, 1960) recently collected from the Philippines and Madagascar showed that there are differences in the development of carapace teeth, abdominal sculpture, pereiopods ornamentation and coloration between the specimens from these two localities. Molecular analysis also reveals high genetic divergence between the two forms. Since the type locality of G. timidus is from the Philippines, the Madagascan form is described as a new species.