Butterfly crab explained

Cryptolithodes typicus, often referred to as the butterfly crab or the turtle crab,[1] [2] is a species of lithodid crustacean native to coastal regions of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Amchitka Island, Alaska to Santa Rosa Island, California.[3]

Appearance

The crab's butterfly-shaped carapace has a stone-like camouflage, which it uses to blend in against the rocks of the subtidal and low intertidal zones.[1] Carapace color within the species varies greatly, but small individuals (< 151NaN1 in length) are typically white, while larger ones tend to have an assortment of vibrant colors. The carapace is exceptionally broad and completely hides the appendages when viewed from above or from the side; it has a median raised crest which is often a different color that contrasts with other parts. The male carapace is at its widest at a point further back than that of the female. The chelipeds of the male are relatively larger than the widest point of the female. The right claw is larger than the left and both claws are sharp, curved, and stout. Each segment of the walking legs has a dorsal crest.[4]

Habitat

The butterfly crab resides on rocks within the subtidal and low intertidal zones.[5] When its intertidal habitat is exposed to the atmosphere during extreme low tide, it can be found clinging to the substratum in rock crevices or at the base of the seagrass Phyllospadix. It has been found to a depth of 73meters.[6]

Etymology

The genus name "Cryptolithodes" means "hidden stone", while its species name "typicus" denotes it as the genus' type species. The nickname "butterfly crab" is derived from the crab's carapace, which resembles a butterfly, and the nickname "turtle crab" derives from the way its carapace covers its appendages from above and the sides.[7]

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Hart. Josephine F. L.. May 1965. Life History and Larval Development of Cryptolithodes typicus Brandt (Decapoda, Anomura) from British Columbia. Crustaceana. 8. 3. 255–276. 10.1163/156854065X00460. 20102652. free.
  2. Encyclopedia: AR140. Butterfly Crab. 2005. Lamb. Andy. Photography by Bernard P. Hanby. 312. Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest: A Photographic Encyclopedia of Invertebrates, Seaweeds and Selected Fishes. registration. Harbour Publishing. 978-1550173611. 2006389416.
  3. Book: Hart, Josephine F. L.. Crabs and their relatives of British Columbia. 1982. 978-0771883149. British Columbia Provincial Museum Handbook 40. 83138488. https://web.archive.org/web/20190524215553/https://ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/documents/CrabsJHart.pdf. May 24, 2019. live.
  4. Coffin. Harold Glen. Crabs of Puget Sound, Washington. March 1952. Master of Arts. Walla Walla College. 37–38. https://web.archive.org/web/20200515103228/https://inverts.wallawalla.edu/zzReferences/Coffin_1952_Crabs_of_Puget_Sound.pdf. May 15, 2020. live.
  5. Barr. Nancy. November 1973. Extension of the Known Range of the Crab, Cryptolithodes typicus Brandt, To Amchitka Island, Alaska (Decapoda, Anomura, Lithodidae). Crustaceana. 25. 3. 320–321. 10.1163/156854073X00308. 20102049.
  6. Book: Gotshall, Daniel W.. 2005 Guide to marine invertebrates: Alaska to Baja California. Sea Challengers. 2005. 978-0930118372. 2nd, revised. 2005042635.
  7. Web site: Butterfly crab. Merriam-Webster. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171207151826/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butterfly%20crab. December 7, 2017. May 15, 2020.

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