Pachygrapsus transversus
(Gibbes, 1850)
Mottled Shore Crab
A small to medium-sized shore crab native to the western Atlantic, ranging from the eastern United States through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. The inhabits rocky and hard substrates in intertidal zones, where it is commonly found in crevices and under rocks. Reproductive studies indicate it breeds in the Brazilian temperate zone, with specific documented in that region. The species serves as a for multiple including the bopyrid isopod Leidya bimini and the rhizocephalan barnacle Sacculina carcini.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pachygrapsus transversus: /ˌpækɪˈɡræpsəs trænzˈvɜːrsəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Pachygrapsus by geographic range and mottled coloration; precise diagnostic characters not provided in available sources. Similar species in overlapping range may require examination of shape, anterolateral teeth, and male for definitive identification.
Appearance
typically mottled with variable coloration; body plan consistent with grapsoid crabs showing typical brachyuran decapod with ten legs including enlarged chelipeds. Specific measurements and detailed morphological features not documented in provided sources.
Habitat
Rocky and hard substrates in intertidal zones; commonly found in crevices and under rocks along shorelines.
Distribution
Western Atlantic: eastern United States, Bermuda, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic coast of South America to Brazil. Documented in Brazilian temperate zone and Bermuda with specific studies.
Seasonality
Reproductive activity documented in Brazilian ; specific seasonal patterns not detailed in available sources.
Host Associations
- Leidya bimini - Bopyrid isopod that parasitizes this crab in Bermuda
- Sacculina carcini - Rhizocephalan barnacle reported as infecting this crab
Life Cycle
Development follows typical brachyuran pattern with planktonic larval stages (zoeae and megalopa) preceding benthic and phases. Specific details on duration of larval stages or number of zoeal instars not documented in provided sources.
Behavior
Seeks shelter in crevices and under rocks during low tide; typical intertidal crab of avoiding desiccation and .
Ecological Role
Member of intertidal as both /scavenger and prey; serves as for parasitic isopods and barnacles which may influence .
Human Relevance
Subject of scientific study for reproductive and - relationships; no documented commercial or direct human use mentioned in sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other Pachygrapsus speciesCongeneric share general body plan and preferences; require detailed morphological examination for separation
More Details
Parasite incidence
In Bermuda, studied as for Leidya bimini with documented host- relationships affecting local
Reproductive studies
Specific reproductive parameters documented for Brazilian temperate zone , indicating research focus on this ' breeding in southern parts of its range
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Cerambycidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 10
- Friday Flower: Red Buckeye | Beetles In The Bush
- A rare opportunity to do fall insect collecting in western North America | Beetles In The Bush
- Pachygrapsus Transversus (Gibbes), a New Host of Sacculina Carcini Thompson (Cirripedia, Rhizocephala)
- Reproduction of the shore crab Pachygrapsus transversus (Gibbes, 1850) (Decapoda: Grapsidae) in the Brazilian temperate zone
- Incidence and host-parasite relationship ofLeidya Bimini(Crustacea, Isopoda, Bopyridae) in the Brachyuran Crab Pachygrapsus transversus from Bermuda