The Lophotrochozoa (play /ləˌfɒtrɵkɵˈzoʊ.ə/, “crest/wheel animals”) are a major grouping of protostome animals. The taxon was discovered based on molecular data.[1] Molecular evidence such as a result of studies of the evolution of small-subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) supports the monophyly of the phyla listed in the infobox shown at right.[2]
One of the newly discovered crab species, Insulamon palawanense, which is bright purple in color. CREDIT: © Senckenberg
Four new species of crab that sport some wild colors have been discovered near the Philippine island of Palawan.
The newfound species are threatened by mining activities in the region, which is one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots, its discoverers said. About half of the species that live on Palawan are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else.
Scientists at the Senckenberg Research Institute in Germany and De La Salle University in Manila found the four new species of Insulamon freshwater crab genus as part of their Aqua Palawana research program.
† MASOCHIST 
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