DESCRIPTION OF A NEW GENUS FOR THE XANTHID CRAB PILODIUS-ETISOIDES TAKEDA AND MIYAKE, 1968 (CRUSTACEA, DECAPODA, BRACHYURA, XANTHOIDEA)

A new genus, Vellodius, is established for the poorly known xanthid cr ab, Pilodius etisoides Takeda and Miyake, 1968, after the discovery of more specimens including males. The new genus is allied to Pilodius a nd Phymodius but differs in the combination of its key carapace, basal antennal segment, anterior thoracic sternum and ambulatory dactylus c haracters. The species, described from the Ryukyu Islands (Japan), is also recorded from the South China Sea for the first time.