Spider Crabs
Libinia
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Malacostraca
- Superorder: Eucarida
- Order: Decapoda
- Infraorder: Brachyura
- Family: Epialtidae
- Genus: Libinia
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Libinia: /lɪˈbɪniə/
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Images
Summary
Libinia emarginata, the portly spider crab, is a heavily calcified crab species found along the Atlantic coast of North America. It exhibits unique behaviors such as forward walking and protects gravid females during mating aggregations.
Physical Characteristics
Roughly triangular in outline; very heavily calcified; carapace about 4 in (100 mm) long; leg span of 12 inches (300 mm); whole crab is khaki; carapace covered in spines and tubercles.
Identification Tips
The species can be identified by the row of spines along the center of the carapace, which in L. emarginata has nine spines, whereas its close relative L. dubia has six spines.
Habitat
Lives on various substrates in marine environments.
Distribution
Occurs from Nova Scotia to the Florida Keys and through the Gulf of Mexico; lives at depths of up to 160 ft (49 m) with exceptional records of up to 400 ft (120 m).
Diet
Feeds on large starfish, such as Asterias forbesi.
Life Cycle
Eggs are initially bright orange-red, turning brown during development, which lasts around 25 days. Hatch as zoea larvae.
Reproduction
Mating takes place and eggs are produced from June to September; female can produce another brood of eggs within 12 hours after releasing the first brood.
Ecosystem Role
Adults are not aggressive and often serve as prey for larger predatory species. Young crabs may provide habitat for various marine organisms, as they are frequently covered with sponges and hydroids.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Spider Crab
- Libinia
- Crustacean
- Marine Biology