Subfamilia Xenophthalminae

Alcock, 1900

Carapace subtrapezoidal in outline, extremely thickened. Orbits situated dorsally, with their long axis at right angles to the anterior margin of the carapace, formed by longitudinal slits in the carapace, so that the front is clearly defined laterally. Orbits and eyestalks very narrow, longitudinally parallel, completely visible in dorsal view. Epistome absent. Third maxillipeds broad, parallel; ischium and merus equally long; articles of palp flattened; palp somewhat spirally twisted, extremely slender, rod-like, concealed in outer view; dactylus not enlarged distally. Chelipeds, even in males, very small and weak, much more so than the ambulatory legs. Ambulatory legs with the meri armed with a row of spines along their posterior margin. Abdomen with all segments distinct, narrow in both sexes. (Guinot 1998)

Genus treated:
genus Xenophthalmus White, 1846

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