How many segments are in the thorax of a malacostracan?

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hermit crab — malacostracan Hermit crab (*Pagurus samuelis*).

The thorax of a malacostracan consists of eight segments.12

This structure is part of a consistent body plan shared by members of the class Malacostraca, which distinguishes them from other crustaceans. While the head typically consists of five segments and the abdomen of six (or rarely seven), the eight thoracic segments are a defining feature of the malacostracan body plan.12