Phylogenetic Relationships of the Genus Aegla (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae), with Comments on Anomuran Phylogeny

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Abstract
Anomuran decapods in the family Aeglidae are ecologically and morphologically distinct from other members of the Galatheoidae (Galatheidae, Chirostylidae, Porcellanidae). Among the morphological characters distinguishing aeglids from other galatheoids are several characters seen in the hermit crab families (Paguroidea). The hypothesis that aeglids are members of the Paguroidea rather than the Galatheoidea was tested using numerical phenetic and cladistic methods. Fifty-four morphological and ecological characters were scored for all familes that are now or have been previously included among the Anomura. Aeglids are shown to be primitive members of the Galatheoidea, in accordance with traditional classifications of the Anomura, although other traditional groupings within the Anomura are questioned. A proposed hypothesis of anomuran phylogeny separate thalassinoids from Anomura sensu stricto, places aeglids with other galatheoids, and removes lithodids and Lomis from the paguroid line. The need for increased and improved basic morphological monographs of decapod families is stressed.