Redescription of Tomopaguroides valdiviae (Balss, 1911) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura, Paguroidea, Paguridae) with notes on variation and female morphology

A detailed diagnosis of the monotypic genus Tomopaguroides Balss, 1912 is presented for the first time, together with the redescription of its type species, T. valdiviae (Balss, 1911) from the lectotype, herein designated, and supplemental specimens collected in New Caledonia and the Philippine, Salomon and Fiji islands. These collection areas represent major range extensions from the type locality in the Indian Ocean off Somalia, the only previously confirmed locality for this species. The genus is one of only two in the family Paguridae characterized by the presence of only paired, modified male second pleopods. Female attributes, heretofore unknown, are described. Significant intraspecific morphological variation is reported and an anomaly attributed to regeneration is documented.