Sphaerodromiidae (Brachyura: Dromiacea: Dromioidea) in the Fossil Record

Abstract

The definition of the genus Dromilites has become extended over the past nearly 200 years to include most any dromioid crab from Eocene rocks. We examined type material of Dromilites spp. and restrict the genus to four species. The remaining species are removed to other genera or families incertae sedes. The remarkable preservation of the type species and a second species make it possible to assign with confidence Dromilites sensu stricto to Sphaerodromiidae. The unique features of this family, which Guinot and Tavares (2003) had erected as a subfamily within Dromiidae, support its elevation to family status. A new genus referred to Sphaerodromiidae embraces a Campanian (Late Cretaceous) species from South Dakota, Ferricorda kimberleyae (Bishop, 1987). Sphaerodromiidae now extends into the Late Cretaceous. The fossil record of Dromiidae sensu lato and sensu stricto is currently under investigation. © The Crustacean Society.