The nomenclature, identity and synonyms of Cancer vocans minor Herbst, 1782 and Gelasimus caerulens Adams, 1847 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Ocypodidae)

Abstract The nomenclature of two ocypodid names, Cancer vocans minor Herbst, 1782 and Gelasimus caerulens Adams, 1847, is discussed, because their identities have remained unresolved. The former is identified with Gelasimus annulipes H. Milne Edwards, 1837, and the latter with Mesuca ( Latuca ) paradussumieri Bott, 1973. To conserve the current and widespread usage of both junior synonyms, Article 23.9 of the Zoological Code is applied to reverse precedence. Neotypes are also designated for both species.