The zoeal stages of pilumnopeus serratifrons (Kinahan, 1856) (brachyura: Xanthidae) reared under laboratory conditions

Pilumnopeus serratifrons reared in seawater of 34%o at 25°C passed through three zoeal stages in 12 days prior to moulting to the megalopa. Wear (1968) described the first zoea of this species reared from New Zealand specimens. That stage is redescribed here, differences from Wear’s (l.c.) material are noted, and the remaining zoeal stages are described and figured. Zoea of P. serratifrons are most readily distinguished from those of its congenor P. indicus by the former having lateral carapace spines and having lateral processes on the third abdominal segment. The position of P. serratifrons larvae in xanthid species-groups suggested by various authors is summarized