Système Sétifère des Maxillipèdes des Gonodactyloidea (Crustacea, Stomatopoda)

Analysis of the setal system was conducted on the maxillipeds of Gonodactyloidea, which includes the smashers, a functional group of stomatopods. Generally, the homogeneity of the setal system is demonstrated in stomatopods. However, examination of maxillipeds of Gonodactyloidea reveals that some setal types are systematic characters at levels of families or species. The smashers group has a very homogeneous setal system in three families: Gonodactylidae, Odontodactylidae and Protosquillidae. The setal analysis of maxillipeds confirms the functional role of these appendages. Like other morphological characters, the setal system of stomatopods has co-evolved with behavioral patterns in both groups: spearers and smashers.