Abstract
One of the three syntypes of Pagurus lepidochirus (Doflein, 1902) was reexamined. This female syntype was found to possess paired first pleopods modified as gonopods, broadly separated ocular acicles and subequal chelipeds, suggesting reassignment of this species to either the genus Nematopagurus A. Milne-Edwards & Bouvier, 1892, or to Ceratopagurus Yokoya, 1933. Study of supplemental material has revealed the presence of a long, filamentous right sexual tube in males, requiring reassignment of this species to Nematopagurus,_ Further comparisons have shown that Doflein's taxon is identical with a species reported from Japanese waters as N. squamichelis Alcock, 1905. Nematopagurus lepidochirus is redescribed and illustrated in detail on the basis of the lectotype, herein selected, and supplemental material. Differences between this species and other closely allied taxa, including the true N. squamichelis, are discussed.
