Updated distribution and first description of Scyllarus subarctus (Crustacea: Scyllaridae) decapodid stage

Abstract

The phyllosoma larva of spiny and slipper lobsters (Palinuridae and Scyllaridae respectively) can disperse during several months before metamorphosing into a decapodid stage, which is the key phase for a successful settlement. The largest Scyllarus decapodid known to date was recently collected near the Canary Islands and identified by DNA analysis as Scyllarus subarctus. This species had never been previously reported from the area, and the decapodid stage is described here for the first time. The examination of further museum specimens has now significantly expanded the current distribution of S. subarctus, including much of the NW African coast, St Helena and Canary Islands. These results highlight the importance of combining molecular analysis of recently collected specimens with historical collections.