Taxonomy, Systematics, Evolution and Biogeography of Freshwater Decapod Crustaceans

Dear Colleagues,

Decapod crustaceans have successfully colonized a wide range of habitats in freshwaters all around the world, becoming a key component of these ecosystems. The estimated numbers of species are 1300 for primary freshwater crabs (Brachyura), 2500 for freshwater anomurans (Aeglidae), 800 for freshwater shrimps (Caridea) and 590 for crayfish (Astacidea). This great taxonomic diversity reflects the diversity of habitats occupied by freshwater decapods, from the lower reaches of rivers to mountain streams through lakes, temporary ponds or underground water bodies. Despite generating a steady interest from scientists for decades, the recent developments of new tools applied to their study led to an increase in the number of new species descriptions, and more and more phylogenies have been published, shedding new light on the evolution of freshwater decapod crustaceans. However, the majority of taxa remains to be discovered regarding the evolutionary history of these taxa, and new species descriptions are still frequent among them. Therefore, this Special Issue will focus on the taxonomy, systematics, evolution and biogeography of freshwater decapod crustaceans.

The scope includes but is not limited to the following fields: taxonomy, phylogeny, evolutionary history, phylogeography and palaeontology. If you are interested in this opportunity or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Dr. Valentin de Mazancourt
Guest Editor

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