Umbrella Crab
Cryptolithodes sitchensis
Marine Life of the Northeast Pacific (MLNEP) notes 6
Summary 7
Cryptolithodes sitchensis, variously known as the umbrella crab, Sitka crab or turtle crab, is a species of lithodid crustacean native to coastal regions of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Sitka, Alaska to Point Loma, California. Its carapace extends over its legs such that when it pulls in its legs, it resembles a small stone. It lives in rocky areas from the low intertidal to depths of 17 m (56 ft).
Description 8
Cryptolithodes sitchensis has a half-moon shaped carapace extending over all of its eight walking legs and two chelipeds, giving them their common names of turtle crab, umbrella crab or helmet crab. The carapace can be 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) at the adult stage and has scalloped edges. This carapace ranges from neutral sandy colors to bright oranges, reds, and purples. The rostrum extends forwards from the carapace, gradually widening before ending abruptly. From above, only the eyes and second antennae are visible. The ventral side is commonly white in color, and the abdomen is protected by multiple hard plates that lack raised margins. The chelipeds are smooth. The fifth pair of walking legs are located at the posterior and are difficult to distinguish.
Fuentes y créditos
- (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY), http://www.flickr.com/photos/18024068@N00/3780517104
- (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY), subido por Ken-ichi Ueda, http://www.flickr.com/photos/18024068@N00/2477282845
- (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY), subido por Ken-ichi Ueda, http://www.flickr.com/photos/18024068@N00/2478094168
- (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY), subido por Ken-ichi Ueda, http://www.flickr.com/photos/18024068@N00/2874092567
- (c) M. Goff, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY-NC-SA), subido por M. Goff
- (c) Shannon Schmunk, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY-SA)
- Adaptado por Shannon Schmunk del trabajo de (c) Wikipedia, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY-SA), https://hub.toolforge.org/P3151:47395?lang=
- (c) Wikipedia, algunos derechos reservados (CC BY-SA), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptolithodes_sitchensis
