This taxonomic treatment validates Thaipotamon songkhwae as a new freshwater-crab species from Wat Bot District, Phitsanulok. It designates type specimens and diagnoses carapace and male gonopod characters that distinguish the species. The previously circulated name Thaipotamon phitsanulok did not meet ICZN requirements and was therefore unavailable.
Key findings
- Holotype and paratype specimens were designated from Phitsanulok. • A combination of carapace proportions and G1 morphology differentiates the species. • The treatment resolves an earlier locally used but nomenclaturally unavailable name.
Why this matters globally
Valid nomenclature allows the species to enter global biodiversity records and supports future distribution and conservation assessment. Population, habitat, and threat data are still needed to determine conservation significance.
Thai researcher contribution
Phaibul Naiyanetr of Chulalongkorn University helped connect Thai freshwater-crab material and knowledge with a formal ICZN-compliant description. The species name preserves its Phitsanulok local name.
Limitations to consider
The diagnosis relies on two male specimens from one locality. The Zenodo taxonomic treatment does not provide genetic, population, ecological, or conservation-status evidence.