Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Crustacean Biology

Publication Date

6-1-2009

First Page

1

Last Page

11

Issue Number

2

Volume Number

20

Abstract/ Summary

The stomatopod body plan is highly specialized for predation, yet the Superorder Hoplocarida originated from something other than the "lean, mean, killing machine" seen today. The fossil record of the group indicates that it originated early on from a non-raptorial ancestor, with the specialized predatory morphology developing much later. The Recent Hoplocarida have been variously positioned within the Malacostraca, from a Subclass equal in rank to the Eumalacostraca (= Caridoida) to being placed as a Superorder within the Eumalacostraca. Consideration of the early fossil morphology, especially of the form of the carapace, of the position and functioning of the articles in the last three pairs of thoracopods, and of other features, suggests that hoplocarids are early derivatives of a basal eumalacostracan stock that was "shrimp-like" in form. The enhancement of an abdominal respiratory system most likely allowed the development of the anterior thorax into the specialized raptorial system present today.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Watling L, Hof CHJ, Schram FR. The Place of the Hoplocarida in the Malacostracan Pantheon. Journal of Crustacean Biology. 2000;20(2): 1-11.

Publisher Statement

Copyright 2000 Crustacean Society

Version

publisher's version of the published document

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