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Lophopanopeus bellus bellus (Black-clawed crab)
Copyright ©
2005 Mary Jo Adams
The
little black-clawed crab makes its home burrowed into the sand under
rocks, and also in tidepools or among kelp holdfasts. Its
carapace is up to 1 ½ inch across and has 3 lateral spines.
Carapace color is quite variable but is often reddish-brown,
gray, or purple; true to its common name, the claw tips are black.
The legs of this species sport a few fine hairs.
Look
for this species low in the intertidal along the quiet waters of
bays and estuaries and also on beaches with some wave action.
It is found to a depth of 260 feet. The black-clawed
crab feeds on algae and plant material, mussels, barnacles, and
other crustaceans. Upon being picked up, this crab stiffens
into a rigor mortis like state but be careful because it can suddenly
revive and give you a good pinch!
The
crab most likely to be confused with the black-clawed crab is the
pygmy rock crab ( Cancer oregonensis ). Both are small
crabs with black tipped claws. To distinguish between the
two, look for the 3 lateral teeth along the edge of the carapace
of the black-clawed crab. The pygmy rock crab carapace is
more rounded, has more numerous teeth, and has very hairy legs.
This page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 12/5/05.
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