POLYMORPHISM IN THE CHELAE OF DIOGENES NITIDIMANUS TERAO(DECAPODA : DIOGENIDAE)

Abstract

Polymorphism in the male major chelae of the hermit crab, Diogenes nitidimanus is reported. Broad type, in which the palm is broad with many distinct teeth and granules, and Narrow type, in which the palm is narrow with irregular-sized granules, as well as several intermediate types were found. Other morphological characters are nearly alike in these types and perfectly fit the descriptions of Diogenes nitidimanus given by TERAO (1913) and MIYAKE (1978). The possible relation between the body size and chela type is suggested.