(Latreille, 1802)
Description:
Dorsal carapace surface with dense short, pile-like setae with clusters of larger hook-setae, carapace often invested with massive growths of epizooites and epiphytes, frontal region produced as a bifid rostrum each half distally diverging outward, preorbital spine stout, intercalary conspicuous, antorbital absent; second and third peduncular segments of antenna moderately broad, eyestalks stout, partly concealed when retracted. Antero-lateral margins of carapace with three spines, intestinal region with elevated tubercle. Chelipeds equal in size; second to fifth pereiopods with subtriangular segments (in cross-section) and moderately stout, dactylus curved. Male chelipeds larger than in female, propodus swollen, dactylus and distal part of propodal prolongation elongate or subtruncate.
Size:
Carapace length up to 33 (55) mm.
Habitat:
Depth range from 1 to 90 metres, chiefly on hard ground. Ovigerous crabs April-August, larvae July-September.
Colour:
Carapace and pereiopods (naked) reddish brown.
Distribution:
East Channel, Wight, Portland, Channel Isles, Plymouth, Scilly Isles, Isle of Man, Fastnet. |
