Panopeus occidentalis Saussure, 1857

Panopeus occidentalis Saussure, 1857: 502 .

Material examined. Brazil, São Paulo: 2 ♂, 3 ♀ (1 ♀ ov), CCDB 5694, Ubatuba, colls. R. Buranelli et al., 10.iii.2012; 9 ♂, 6 ♀, 33 j, CCDB 2521, São Sebastião, colls. F. Vasconcelos et al., 01.ix.2007 ; 9 ♂, 24 ♀, 4 j, CCDB 2420, São Sebastião, colls. F. Vasconcelos et al., 01.i.2008 ; 1 ♂, CCDB 5170, São Sebastião, colls. F. Mantelatto et al., 10.ix.2013 ; 1 ♂, CCDB 5519, Cananéia, colls. R. Buranelli et al., 10.iii.2012 .

Distribution. Western Atlantic—Bermuda, USA (North Carolina to Florida), Gulf of Mexico, Antilles, Caribbean Sea, north of South America, and Brazil (Maranhão, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, São Paulo, Santa Catarina) (Coelho & Ramos 1972; Powers 1977; Abele & Kim 1986; Coelho et al. 2008; Felder et al. 2009).

Remarks. Previous records in São Paulo include Ubatuba (Negreiros-Fransozo et al. 2002; Bertini et al. 2004; Alves et al. 2012b), Ilha Vitória (Alves et al. 2012a), and Ilha Anchieta (Mantelatto et al. 2004a). Several of the captured specimens had their sequences successfully obtained. However, the analysis showed a very distinct genetic identification, with great proximity to the P. austrobesus group and for this reason we did not present the sequences. Considering that the occurrence of P. occidentalis in the Brazilian territory has never been questioned and has always been supported by extensive literature, we have maintained the occurrence of this species for São Paulo, but as uncertain status. However, a more detailed analysis and comparison with the other Brazilian species of the genus will be necessary to assess the observed situation.