Mitten crab systematics
Underside of a male mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, showing the narrow, V-shaped abdomen characteristic of males, and the soft bristles that cover the claws. © Crown copyright, The Food and Environment Agency (Fera)
Traditional classification
The traditional classification of grapsoid crabs (see Bowman and Abele, 1982) recognised the division of the Grapsoidea MacLeay, 1838 superfamily into 3 families:
- Grapsidae MacLeay, 1838
- Gecarcinidae MacLeay, 1838
- Mictyridae Dana, 1851
Eriocheir de Haan, 1835 was assigned to the Grapsidae.
Revised classification
A recent molecular study of grapsoid crabs (Schubart et al., 2000) revised the systematics of this taxon. This revision has become accepted in the literature (see Martin and Davis, 2001).
Schubart and colleagues proposed that all the grapsid subfamilies be raised to a family level. They considered that marked morphological (and ecological) differences found among the subfamilies would justify such a step.
Like Guinot (1977), they accepted the familial status of Grapsidae, Plagusiidae, Sesarmidae and Varunidae. However they differed from Guinot by retaining the family status of the Gecarcinidae and including this taxon in the Grapsoidea (see Martin and Davis, 2001).
Eriocheir de Haan, 1835 was assigned to the Varunidae H. Milne Edwards, 1853.
Glossary
Classification: The process of establishing, defining and ranking taxa within a hierarchical series of groups.
Systematics: The classification of living organisms into hierarchical series of groups that emphasise their phylogenetic interrelationships.
Taxonomy: The theory and practice of describing, naming and classifying organisms.
A more detailed discussion can be found in:
Clark PF (2006) Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards: 1853 or 1854 - Grapsidae or Varunidae? Aquatic Invasions 1: 17-27, Figs 1-9.