Portly Spider Crab

Libinia emarginata

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Class: Malacostraca
Superorder: Eucarida
Order: Decapoda
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Epialtidae
Genus: Libinia
Species: emarginata

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Libinia emarginata: /lɪˈbɪniə ɛˌmɑrdʒɪˈneɪtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Libinia emarginata by R. P. Nodder. Used under a Public domain license.

Image from page 126 of "Introduction to zoology; a guide to the study of animals, for the use of secondary schools;" (1900) (14598329499) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Image from page 127 of "Introduction to zoology; a guide to the study of animals, for the use of secondary schools;" (1900) (14598330019) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

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Libinia emarginata (Leach) (1855)</div> by
Burkhardt, Jacques. Used under a Public domain license.

Libinia sp. (spider crab) (Cayo Costa Island, Florida, USA) 2 (24521395725) by James St. John. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Libinia sp. (spider crab) (Cayo Costa Island, Florida, USA) 1 (24521402405) by James St. John. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Libinia emarginata, known as the portly spider crab, is a species found along the Atlantic coast of North America, recognized for its unique physical characteristics and reproductive behavior.

Physical Characteristics

Roughly triangular in outline and very heavily calcified, with a carapace about 4 in (100 mm) long and a leg span of 12 inches (300 mm). The crab is khaki in color, with a carapace covered in spines and tubercles. Often adorns itself with debris and small invertebrates.

Identification Tips

Examine the row of spines along the center of the carapace: L. emarginata has nine spines, while L. dubia has six. The rostrum of L. emarginata is less deeply forked compared to that of L. dubia.

Habitat

Lives on various substrates along the Atlantic coast, at depths of up to 160 ft (49 m), with exceptional records of up to 400 ft (120 m).

Distribution

Occurs from Nova Scotia to the Florida Keys and throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Diet

Feeds on large starfish, such as Asterias forbesi.

Life Cycle

Eggs are produced from June to September, starting as bright orange-red and turning brown during development, which takes around 25 days. Eggs hatch as zoea larvae.

Reproduction

Mating occurs in aggregations; the female can produce another brood of eggs within 12 hours after releasing larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role as a predator in the marine ecosystem, feeding on starfish.

Similar Taxa

Libinia dubia