AEGLA SPECIES: BIOLOGY DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF SOUTH AMERICAN FRESHWATER ANOMURANS

The genus Aegla (Crustacea: Decapoda: Aeglidae) comprises freshwater anomuran “crabs” endemic to southern South America. This unique taxon exhibits remarkable species richness and micro‑endemism across river basins in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, yet many species face habitat loss and environmental stressors. Aegla species display diverse morphological adaptations and occupy a range of freshwater habitats, making them important models for studies of evolution, phylogeography, and conservation biology. This article reviews the taxonomy, ecological traits, and emerging threats to Aegla species, emphasizing the need for targeted research and conservation actions to protect these poorly known crustaceans.