Description of unique live colour patterns as a tool for discriminating hermit crab species in the Iberian Peninsula

The unique colour patterns of the hermit crab species inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula and geographically close areas are studied based on colour patterns observed in live specimens either in the field or live in the laboratory. Live colour patterns are shown to be useful for differentiating species...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Almón, Bruno, García-Isarch, Eva, Cuesta, José A., García Raso, J. Enrique
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/337303
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/337303
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85153402608
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Adaptation
Biodiversity
Biogeography
Cryptic species
Ecology
Morphology
Paguroidea
Taxonomy
Descripción
Sumario:The unique colour patterns of the hermit crab species inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula and geographically close areas are studied based on colour patterns observed in live specimens either in the field or live in the laboratory. Live colour patterns are shown to be useful for differentiating species in the Paguroidea from Iberian waters. Colour information has not been frequently documented in previous studies, mainly because of difficulties in accessing live specimens. Up to 51 species are currently recorded within the study area, 45 of which are included in the present work, focusing on the distinctive colour traits for each species that can be observed in the field. A complete key for identifying the species within the study area based on colour patterns is included. This study is the first attempt to put in place this type of tool oriented to field work. Further studies will be required to complete and update this information, especially for species which are scarce or difficult to observe alive.