SYSTEMATIZING TYPICAL ORNAMENTATION AND GROOVE STRUCTURES OF LATE JURASSIC GALATHEIDS (DECAPODA, GALATHEOIDEA)

Late Jurassic galatheoids (squat lobsters) exhibit tremendous variation in both ornamentation and groove patterns. These differences have been ignored or inadequately described in the classification and systematic assignment of these galatheoids. The result has been ill defined taxa and numerous misclassified and misidentified specimens. This problem is exacerbated by the relatively few well-preserved galatheoids found until recently from the Late Jurassic. The ongoing examination of the previously unstudied galatheoid specimens from the Late Jurassic Ernstbrunn Limestone of Ernstbrunn, Austria, as well as the re-examination of specimens from the Late Jurassic Štramberk Formation of Štramberk, Czech Republic, yields a unique opportunity to systematize the criteria and characteristics used for the identification of members of the Galatheoidea. The proposed criteria concerning groove patterns, rostral shape, and carapace ornamentation will reduce the confusion surrounding the classification of these galatheoids. Systematizing the characteristics and criteria used to determine families, genera, and species will establish the true breadth of the extraordinary evolutionary radiation of the Late Jurassic Galatheoidea. Research supported by NSF grants INT-0313606 and EF-0531670 to Feldmann and Schweitzer.