Notomithrax ursus
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| Notomithrax ursus (Herbst, 1788) |
Notomithrax ursus is a spider crab of the family Majidae, endemic to south east Australia and New Zealand. It is found on intertidal reefs in shallow water, including larger pools.
Notomithrax ursus is not often seen as it very well camouflaged with its algae covered body, but is not particularly uncommon. The body is covered in spines and hooked hairs, and the crab uses its claws to camouflage and decorate itself by attaching hydroids, sea squirts, algae or sponges to these hairs. Because of this behaviour the family is also known as 'decorator crabs'. Once attached these attached 'plants' continue to grow on the body of the crab, providing camouflage. The claws are quite mobile and are capable of reaching any part of the body with hairs.
The pincers are coloured henna with white tips, and the legs and underneath the body are greyish-blue relieved with large regular patches of white.
Width of the carapace is up to 38 mm.
[edit] References
- Miller M & Batt G, Reef and Beach Life of New Zealand, William Collins (New Zealand) Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1973
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