Branchiostegal-lungs
Guides
Gecarcinidae
land crabs
Gecarcinidae is a family of true crabs (Brachyura) adapted for terrestrial existence, commonly known as land crabs. Members possess modified gill chambers called branchiostegal lungs that allow aerial respiration. Adults are primarily terrestrial but require marine environments for reproduction; larvae develop in seawater. The family includes approximately eight genera distributed across tropical regions worldwide.