Parthenopidae
The Parthenopidae, commonly known as “spider crabs”, are a family of crabs in the infraorder Brachyura. Characterized by their long, spidery legs, these crabs are found in a variety of marine environments around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical waters.
Characteristics
Parthenopidae are distinguished by their flattened, broad carapaces (shells) and their long, slender legs, giving them a spider-like appearance. Their chelipeds (claws) are often quite large and powerful, and their abdomen is folded under the carapace. They typically have a distinctive "rostrum" (beak) extending forward from the carapace.
Environments
Spider crabs can be found in a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass meadows. Some species are also found in deeper waters. They are often found on the seabed, where they use their long legs to move across the substrate.
Diet
Parthenopidae are primarily scavengers, feeding on dead organisms and detritus. Some species are also known to prey on small fish and invertebrates.
Notable Species
Some notable species of Parthenopidae include:
- Parthenope horrida (Leach, 1818)
- Parthenope serrata (Fabricius, 1781)
- Libinia emarginata (Leach, 1818)
- Lambrus longimanus (Linnaeus, 1758)