The taxonomic status of Pagurus bouvieri (Faxon, 1895), an obscure name, and redescription of Pagurus smithi (Benedict, 1892), a poorly known species (Decapoda: Paguridae)

Abstract The status of the obscure Pagurus bouvieri (Faxon, 1895), a replacement name proposed for the preoccupied Eupagurus smithii A. Milne-Edwards and Bouvier, 1893, was evaluated. Based on types and numerous unreported museum materials, P. bouvieri is found to be synonymous with Pagurus politus (Smith, 1882) a commonly encountered but infrequently discussed northwestern Atlantic species. The taxonomy and geographic distribution of P. politus is updated with a complete synonymy, redescription, and illustrations. The taxonomy of the northeastern Pacific species Pagurus smithi (Benedict, 1892) is also updated, including a redescription with illustrations.