A new hermit crab out of its shell from the Eocene Arguis Formation, Huesca, Spain

Abstract

Semi-articulated paguroids are rare fossils, and there are only few records from Cenozoic strata. Here we present a new and exceptionally preserved hermit crab (Diogenidae) from the Eocene of Huesca (Spain) that preserves the anterior part of the carapace, together with appendages. Diogenes augustinus sp. nov. represents one of most completely preserved hermit crabs known to date, providing crucial information to understand the evolution of the family Diogenidae. It is characterized by poorly marked regions of shield, absence of Y-line and markedly unequal and robust chelipeds. The specimen is preserved out of its host shell suggesting rapid burial in siliciclastic strata of a prodeltaic environment.

Keywords

• hermit crab
• eocene
• arguis formation
• huesca
• spain