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Patithelphusa - New freshwater crab genus
November 4 , 2025
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- Scientists have identified a new genus and species of freshwater crab from the Shevaroy Hills in Yercaud, Salem district.
- The newly described genus, Patithelphusa, and its species, Patithelphusa yercaudensis
- The genus has been named in honour of Sameer Kumar Pati, a noted Indian taxonomist who has made significant contributions to the study of freshwater crabs.
- Patithelphusa yercaudensis shows a genetic divergence of 9.66% from Travancoriana schirnerae, a species found in southern India.
- The crab’s evolution may have been shaped by the topographical isolation of the Shevaroy Hills, separated from nearby ranges by deep valleys and the Cauvery River system.
- These natural barriers likely restricted gene flow, allowing crab populations to evolve independently over time.
- With this discovery, the number of freshwater crab species recorded from India rises to 112, belonging to 31 genera under the family Gecarcinucidae.
- India accounts for nearly 10% of the world’s known freshwater crab species, many of which are restricted to small, localised habitats.
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