Allochtonous decapod species in Mediterranean: state of knowledge about their larvae

To date, 72 species of allochthonous decapods have been reported from Mediterranean Sea. For some of these alien species only a single specimen has been collected and therefore it is uncertain if they have become established. However, according to literature, one or more larval stages are known for 37 of the exotic Mediterranean species. The zoeae of Metapenaeopsis mogiensis consobrina, Ashtoret lunaris, Dyspanopeus sayi, Rhithropanopeus harrisii, Percnon gibbesi as well as the megalopa of P. gibbesi, Micippa thalia, Charybdis feriata cannot be confused with those of any other Mediterranean species as they have distinctive characters. But most allochthonous larvae resemble those of autochthonous species found in theMediterranean. Therefore the aim of this study is to point out resemblances and differences between allochthonous and autochthonous species and, with regard brachyuran zoeae, to provide a key to distinguish allochthonous from autochthonous species in Mediterranean.