Biology and comparative anatomy of three new species of commensal galeommatidae, with a possible case of mating behavior inbivalves

Three new galeommatid bivalves, Divariscintilla octotentaculata, D. luteocrinita, and D. cordiformis,
are described as commensals occupying the burrows of the mantis shrimp Lysiosquilla
scabricauda from central eastern Florida. Morphological comparisons are made with all other
known members of the genus, comprising two previously described species from the same
burrow system (D. yoyo, D. troglodytes) and the type species, D. maoria, from New Zealand.
Key characters defining this genus (hinge morphology, flower-like organs, "hanging foot" structure)
are discussed, especially with regard to their presence in other galeommatoidean genera.
Intraspecific interaction resembling mating behavior is noted and discussed as one of the few
possible examples in the Bivalvia.
Three new galeommatid bivalves, Divariscintilla octotentaculata, D. luteocrinita, and D. cordiformis,
are described as commensals occupying the burrows of the mantis shrimp Lysiosquilla
scabricauda from central eastern Florida. Morphological comparisons are made with all other
known members of the genus, comprising two previously described species from the same
burrow system (D. yoyo, D. troglodytes) and the type species, D. maoria, from New Zealand.
Key characters defining this genus (hinge morphology, flower-like organs, "hanging foot" structure)
are discussed, especially with regard to their presence in other galeommatoidean genera.
Intraspecific interaction resembling mating behavior is noted and discussed as one of the few
possible examples in the Bivalvia.