Description of Bermudacaris harti, a new genus, and species (Crustacea : Decapoda : Alpheidae) from anchialine caves of Bermuda

A new genus is proposed for an unusual new species of alpheid shrimp, Bermu dacaris harti, inhabiting subterranean anchialine caves on the Bermuda Isla nds. This unique cavernicolous new species, has been confused with Automate dolichognatha, de Man, 1888, a species widely distributed in tropical mari ne shallow waters. The new genus shows some affinities with Automate de Man , 1888 and can be distinguished from the latter genus by several important features, such as subsymmetrical first chelipeds with dactylus in ventral p osition, and presence of appendix masculina in males. This new species is u nusual among the Alpheidae in the considerable reduction of corneal pigment ation, especially in female, most Likely an adaptation to the cave environm ent. The presence of few large eggs in the female suggests that the new spe cies has low fecundity and abbreviated larval development, which might resu lt from its troglobitic lifestyle. The relationships of the new genus to Au tomate are discussed in some detail. Presumably marine ancestors of this tr oglobitic species entered anchialine caves from neighboring shallow, marine waters.