Abstract
The taxonomy of the genus Procambarus Ortmann, 1905 (subgenus Austrocambarus Hobbs, 1972) in the Cuban archipelago is revised based on morphometric and reproductive morphological analyses of 84 specimens deposited in the Carcinological Collection of the Institute of Ecology and Systematics (CZACC). Four morphometric indices, evaluated through Kruskal-Wallis tests and PERMANOVA analysis, demonstrated significant differentiation among the four Cuban species. Specifically, the areola proportion and the thorax/cephalon width ratio consistently separated P. cubensis from P. rivalis.
Comparative examination of the male gonopods and the female annulus ventralis revealed consistent and co-evolved morphological differences between both taxa, consistent with a “lock-and-key” reproductive isolation mechanism. Based on morphometric evidence, genital differentiation, allopatric distribution, and ecological specialization, Procambarus cubensis rivalis (Faxon, 1912) is elevated to full species status as Procambarus rivalis (Faxon, 1912) stat. nov. An updated dichotomous key for the four Cuban species of Procambarus is provided. The mountains of western Cuba are highlighted as centers of crustacean endemism requiring conservation attention.
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