Heterozius
Preserved specimen of Heterozius rotundifrons
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Belliidae
Subfamily: Heteroziinae
Števčić, 2005
Genus: Heterozius
A. Milne-Edwards, 1867
Species:
H. rotundifrons
Binomial name
Heterozius rotundifrons

Heterozius rotundifrons, or big hand crab, is a species of crab of the family Belliidae, endemic to New Zealand. The carapace width is up to 25 millimetres (1 in).

Behavior

When threatened, Heterozius rotundifrons has a unique antipredator behavior where it fully extends all its limbs including its chelipeds and becomes immobile. The crab keeps defensive stance for up to a few minutes.

References


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