First zoeal stages of Grapsus adscensionis (Osbeck) and Planes minutus (Linnaeus) (Brachyura: Grapsidae) described from laboratory hatched material, with notes on larval characters of the Grapsinae

Abstract

The first zoeal stage of Grapsus adscensionis and Planes minutus is described and illustrated. Comparisons are made with known larvae of congeneric species and previous descriptions of Planes minutus. Larval features of the Grapsinae are evaluated taking into account all previous larval descriptions from this subfamily. The presence of minute knob-like or hooked projections on the carapace of the zoea I, which in subsequent zoeal stages develop into lateral carapace spines is proposed as a typical larval feature for subfamily Grapsinae.