Considerations on the apendicular structure related to sexual dimorphism in the males of Aegla species from NW Argentina (Crustacea, Anomura, Aegiidae)

Abstract

On the basis of the close relationships shown by four species of Argentine freshwater crabs of the genus Aegia (A. humahuaca, A, franca, A. jujuyana, and A, sanlorenzo) —the morphology of the fifth pair of pereiopods— a "noroeste" group is established. Its name is referred to the localization of such species, hich are alternatively registered in the Argéntine provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucuman, Catamarca and Santiago del Estero. With this ‘‘noroeste”’. group and those that we have’ previously established ("platensis", "cuyano" and "patagónico") there are in toto four groups in which the twelve Argentine species of Aegia wellknown at the present time are included.