The first record of external abnormalities in the subterranean Aegla marginata Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Aeglidae), from a karst area of Southeastern Brazil

By

Fernandes, Camile
Gregati, Rafael Augusto
Bichuette, Maria Elina.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2011

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

8

Pages

33-38

Subjects

abdominal deformities , Anomura , cave environment , genetic factors , nutritional factors

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.8.1228

 

Abstract

The occurrence of a morphologically altered individual identifi ed as Aegla marginata is reported in this note. The specimen was found in the subterranean environment, as part of wider bioespeleological study. The observed abnormalities consist mainly of deformities in abdominal epimera, pleopods, telson and uropods, which could results in diffi culties for reproduction and escape from predators. Genetic or nutritional factors related to the scarce food supply observed in the cave environment are admitted as being the most probable cause of the deformities reported here. We emphasize the need of new studies in the area as well as efforts to preserve subterranean environment.