new multilocus phylogeny reveals overlooked diversity in African freshwater crabs (Brachyura: Potamoidea): a major revision with new higher taxa and genera.

The taxonomy of 185 species of Afrotropical freshwater crabs is revised to conform to the updated phylogenetic relationships within this large assemblage, based on the largest taxonomic sampling to date (that includes almost all genera and 57% of the species). Four DNA loci were sequenced including three mitochondrial loci (COI , 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA) and one nuclear locus (histone 3), and evolutionary relationships were estimated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches. The divergence times of the major clades were estimated with a Yule tree prior and an uncorrelated lognormal relaxed molecular clock. The taxonomic acts proposed here include the recognition of two Afrotropical families of freshwater crabs (Potamonautidae and Deckeniidae) each with two subfamilies. In the revised Potamonautidae, three new tribes and three new genera (Maritimonautes gen. nov. Nesonautes gen. nov. Occidensonautes gen. nov.), are established, three previously published genera are revised and four subgenera are raised to genus (Arcopotamonautes , Lirrangopotamonautes , Longipotamonautes , Rotundopotamonautes). An updated species list and identification keys for the new taxa, revised distribution maps, digital images and illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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