Axiopsis eximia, a new thalassinidean shrimp (Crustacea, Decapoda, Axiidae) from the Middle Eocene of South Carolina

Abstract

Axiopsis eximia, a new species of thalassinidean shrimp, is described from an exposure of the Middle Eocene Lower Warley Hill Formation of South Carolina, U.S.A. Fossil axiids are rare, but this unique specimen is remarkably preserved as quartz free of enveloping matrix, having a nearly complete though distorted carapace, proximal parts of most thoracic appendages in situ but with distal articles missing, and extended abdomen with segments almost complete except for a few missing appendages. Presence of the bases of pleopods 1 and the elongate eyestalks surpassing the rostral apex, which it shares with the extant Axiopsis caespitosa group, place it provisionally in Axiopsis, which generally lacks first pleopods in males.