Decapod crustaceans are of tremendous interest and importance evolutionarily, ecologically, and economically. There is no shortage of publications reflecting the wide variety of ideas and hypotheses concerning decapod phylogeny, but until recently, the world's leading decapodologists had never assembled to elucidate and discuss relationships among

Decapods are the largest, most prominent, and, unfortunately, most threatened freshwater crustaceans. Advances in Freshwater Decapod Systematics and Biology presents a selection of papers by geographical and domain experts, in taxonomy, phylogenetics, biogeography, life history, and conservation. The major groups of freshwater decapods—crabs, crayfish, prawns, and anomurans—are all represented. This volume includes a chapter commemorating Richard Bott’s influence on freshwater crab/decapod biology; descriptions of seven new species (Atyidae, Aeglidae, Pseudothelphusidae, Potamidae, and Sesarmidae); chapters on larval-based phylogenetics and molecular clock calibration; and reviews of longevity and mortality, and of the global conservation status of freshwater decapods. This volume both reflects the current state of research and serves as a primer for future work and more integrative decapod research. Contributors include: Shane T. Ahyong, Klaus Anger, Georgina Bond-Buckup, Ludwig Buckup, Yixiong Cai, Christian Clavijo, Neil Cumberlidge, James M. Furse, Alberto S. Gonçalves, Guillermo Guerao, Alireza Keikhosravi, Sebastian Klaus, Tainã G. Loureiro, Célio Magalhães, Fernando L. Mantelatto, Jose C. E. Mendoza, , Jérôme Prieto, Silke Reuschel, Vitor Q. A. Sanches, Tobias Santl, Sandro Santos, Fabrizio Scarabino, Christoph D. Schubart, Michael Türkay, Ana Verdi, Günter Vogt, and Darren C. J. Yeo

Compared to other arthropods, crustaceans are characterized by an unparalleled disparity of body plans. Traditionally, the specialization of arthropod segments and appendages into distinct body regions has served as a convenient basis for higher classification; however, many relationships within the phylum Arthropoda still remain controversial.

This is the eighth volume of a ten-volume series on The Natural History of the Crustacea. The volume examines Evolution and Biogeography, and the first part of this volume is entirely dedicated to the explanation of the origins and successful establishment of the Crustacea in the oceans. In the second part of the book, the biogeography of the Crustacea is explored in order to infer how they conquered different biomes globally while adapting to a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial conditions. The final section examines more general patterns and processes, and the chapters offer useful insight into the future of crustaceans.

Decapod crustaceans, shrimps, crabs, prawns and their allies are highly visible and important members of marine environments. They are among the most charismatic of marine animals, inhabiting beaches, rocky shores and the deep sea, hiding under stones, burrowing in the sediment and nestling in among algae and many other microhabitats. However, most are difficult to identify by the specialist and amateur naturalist alike. Marine Decapod Crustacea explains the anatomical features necessary for differentiating taxa and includes diagnoses and identification keys to all 189 families and 2121 genera of marine Decapoda. Many decapods have vivid colours, which are showcased in a selection of spectacular photographs of many representative species. This volume provides an entry to the literature for taxonomists, naturalists, consultants, ecologists, teachers and students wanting to identify local faunas and understand this diverse group

By joining phylogenetics and evolutionary ecology, this book explores the patterns of parasite diversity while revealing diversification processes.