On the occurrence of (Decapoda, Axiidea, Ctenochelidae) in the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin
Because of close morphological affinities, fossil cheliped fragments of the ghost shrimp (Decapoda, Axiidea, Ctenochelidae) can be easily misidentified as remains of different decapod crustacean taxa. Re-examination of the Cretaceous decapods deposited in the National Museum in Prague revealed that all supposed specimens of the lobster genus found in the Middle Coniacian calcareous claystones of the Březno Formation, including one of the Fritsch's original specimens of , actually belong to . This material together with newly collected specimens from the same locality, allowed for erection of a new species, Its major chela possesses a serrated ischium and ovoid, unarmed merus; therefore, it is considered a close relative of the extant and . sp. nov. represents the first report on the occurrence of the genus from the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin. It is one of the oldest records of and simultaneously one of the best preserved fossils of the genus reported to date. Confusing taxonomy of is reviewed and shortly discussed.