On a new genus and species of karst-dwelling freshwater crab (Crustacea, Brachyura, Potamidae) from Peninsular Malaysia

Recent explorations of caves in Pahang, central Peninsular Malaysia yielded specimens of an unusual long-legged terrestrial, cave-dwelling crab. Morphological examinations of the specimens collected, in comparison with known species from the region suggests that they belong to a new genus and species, which are described herein. Merapohra karsticola gen. nov. et sp. nov., is differentiated from other potamids by characters of the carapace epigastric and postorbital cristae, ambulatory legs, male thoracic sternum, male pleon, and diagnostic structure of the male first gonopod.

The discovery of this new genus and species of cave-dwelling crab highlights the importance and high diversity of karst systems in Peninsular Malaysia, which are imperilled in light of ongoing quarrying and mining activities.