Greetings to all 1,362 members of Crabs of the World! Thanks so much for adding your observations to this project, as they’re not automatically added; and please remember: NO shrimp or crayfish!

We now have 2,298 species in this project, 28 more than my last post two months ago. Every few months I first focus on some species that are new to iNaturalist, and then some others that are fabulous. Please notify me if yours is new, otherwise I probably won’t know! Here are some of the new crabs:

•A Rathbunaria orientalis found by @sharmaine3 in Australia, a find that was highlighted in the media:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/196500567

•A Petrolisthes glasselli (a Porcelain Crab) last year by @albertoalcala in Mexico:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/147484774

•A Heterolithadia fallax (a Purse Crab) (needs confirmation) by @tantsusoo in Indonesia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/195420509

•A Panopeus chilensis (a Mud Crab) (needs confirmation) by @guillermofunes in El Salvador:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/200685207

•A Somanniathelphusa dangi (a Southeast Asian Freshwater Crab) (needs confirmation) by @quang_khai in Vietnam:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/198908035

Two (need confirmation) by @billybs in the Galapagos, Ecuador:
•A Garthasia americana (a Round Crab)
www.inaturalist.org/observations/197476830
•A Herbstia pyriformis (a Kelp Crab)
www.inaturalist.org/observations/197419679

And a multicolored Dardanus that awaits ID by @glen_whisson in Australia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/200957469

These aren’t new, but so interesting:

•An Armases angustipes (Sesarmid Marsh Crab) carrying eggs by @flaviomendes in Brazil:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/195785311

•An unusual, lanky black Spider/Decorator Crab by @kjadiver in Australia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/196459849

•A tiny zoea of the Pachycheles pubescens (Pubescent Porcelain Crab), even showing chromatophores (ID by @crabsandshrimps), by @hawnzd in Washington state, USA:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/195902359

•Also in Washington state, a juvenile Phyllolithodes papillosus (Heart Crab) with black and white banded legs by @ebleke:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/199951247

•Two observations by @coralreefdreams in Indonesia:
A stunning little zebra, a Zebrida adamsii (Zebra Urchin Crab) www.inaturalist.org/observations/198134473
And an elegant Allogalathea elegans (Elegant Squat Lobster)
www.inaturalist.org/observations/198598910

•In Singapore, two remarkable observations (need confirmation) by @caleidoskopable:
a Purse Crab: www.inaturalist.org/observations/198895838
and a Porcelain Crab: www.inaturalist.org/observations/198895695

•Only the second Geothelphusa boreas (A Eurasian Freshwater Crab) by @cm1127 in Taiwan:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/197008601

•Now there are just two observations of another crab, Heteractaea lunata (Fuzzy Mud Crab), in Mexico:
Twelve years ago by @crabsandshrimps:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/199258605
and five years ago by @cristianmgv19:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/43419687

•And a tiny juvenile Paralithodes camtschaticus (Red King Crab), maybe a Red “Prince Crab” :-) by @emmareichl in Alaska:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/198794582

Greetings to all 1,352 members of Crabs of the World! It’s impressive we now have 2,270 species in this project, when we spent years aiming for 2,000. A new goal-- 3,000?! (Quick reminder— Everyone, please add your crab observations to this project, as they are not automatically added. Thank you so much to everyone who adds them.)

Every few months I first focus on some species that are new to iNaturalist, and then some others that are impressive. Please notify me if yours is new, otherwise I probably won’t know. This time there’s a long list of remarkable crabs. Here are some of the new crabs:

•A Maritimonautes choloensis (Eastern Mountain River Crab) by @touroult in Zambia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/16356587

•Galathea faiali (a Galatheid Squat Lobster) by @dennisthediver in the Canary Islands, Spain (needs confirmation):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/187951656

•An Oncinopus neptunus (Spider/Decorator Crab) by @erchlogl near Sydney, Australia (needs confirmation):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/189089941

•A Genus Dardanus (Left-handed Hermit Crab) by @kjadiver in West Australia, with a comment by @grahammcmartin, "Certainly of the Dardanus genus, but bears no resemblance to any species I have seen before. The overall combination of colours is most unusual. It is possible this is an undescribed species.”
www.inaturalist.org/observations/194867537

•A Longpotamon acutum (Eurasian Freshwater Crab) by @amarzee in China (needs confirmation):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/188887199

These are not new, but spectacular!

•Two rather special crabs with beautiful photos by @glen_whisson in Australia:
An Indo-Pacific Hairy Hermit Crab:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/183667297
and a Xenocarcinus depressus (Depressed Spider Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/185715811

•A Family Dromiidae (Sponge Crab) by @flaviomendes in Brazil:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/190836486

•A Laleonectes nipponensis (Nippon Swimming Crab) photographed at night with a UV flashlight by @sea-kangaroo in Hawaii:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/193957544

•An unusual captive Dardanus megistos (White-spotted Hermit Crab) by @beginning in Washington state, USA, ID by @eihimyorin, with notes by @grahammcmartin, top identifier of this species:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/191510844

•The rarely spotted red and white Thoe poella (A Spider/Decorator Crab) by @blazeclaw in the Cayman Islands:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/192790740

•Three Acantholithodes hispidus (Spiny Lithode Crabs) found inside a halibut stomach by @kljinsitka in Alaska:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/195859857

•Some tiny Zaops ostreum (Oyster Pea Crabs) by @jspruill in North Carolina, USA:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/194542215

Two crabs found scuba diving in frigid winter waters in Washington state, USA, by @ebleke:
•A Pagers armatus (Armed Hermit Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/196227716
•An Echidnocerus cibarius (Puget Sound King Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/196227744

And finally, four observations in Indonesia:

•Two photos by @albertkang:
An adorable, apparently young, Liomera cinctimanus (Hand-strapped Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/187895005
and gorgeous photos of a Hoplophrys oatesii (Soft Coral Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/190544262

•Amazing photos of some tiny Porcellanella haigae (Haig’s Porcelain Crabs) crawling on a sea pen by @craigjhowe:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/187660481

•An Achaeus spinosus (Soft Coral Spider Crab) by @tantsusoo:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/194484940

Please let me know of any crab observations that you’d like me to highlight next time. Thanks! @wendy5

Greetings to all 1,337 members of Crabs of the World! It’s amazing we now have 2,219 species in this project, when we spent years aiming for 2,000. (Quick reminder— Everyone, please add your crab observations to this project, as they are not automatically added. Thank you so much to everyone who adds them.)

Every few months I focus first on some species that are new to iNaturalist, and then some others that are impressive. Please notify me if yours is new, otherwise I probably won’t know. Here are some of the new crabs:

•A gorgeous Tetraloides heterodactylus by @raphetnature in the Marshall Islands:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/150710221

•A beige and orange Qianguimon splendidum (Eurasian Freshwater Crab) by @yixuan_zhang in Guangxi, China:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/176318659

•Two (of many!) new crabs by @tahiticrabs in French Polynesia:
a yellow, orange, and turquoise Tetralia muta:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/170591124
and a Tetraloides nigrifrons:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/166668798
Here you can see all of their crabs, wow!:
www.inaturalist.org/projects/crabs-of-the-world/contributors/tahiticrabs

•Another incredibly beautiful Porcelain Crab— Lissoporcellana nakasonei (Soft Coral Porcelain Crab) by @uwkwaj in The Philippines:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/155194542

These three new species need confirmation for Research Grade:

•A Pisa hirticornis (a Kelp Crab) by @dennisthediver in the Canary Islands, Spain:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/178904820

•A small Lophopanopeus frontalis by @colorado_crustaceans in California:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/166366579

•A rather adorable Genus Lissoporcellana (Porcelain Crab) by @tantsusoo in Bali, Indonesia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/168643129

These two are not new, but fabulous, and both look like a painting:

•A Zebrida adamsii (Zebra Urchin Crab) by @coralreefdreams in Indonesia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/179718918

•A Lissocarcinus orbicularis (Sea Cucumber Crab) by @davidr in The Philippines :
www.inaturalist.org/observations/183470656

And finally, one of my own observations, four Hemigrapsus oregonensis (Hairy Shore Crabs), for some reason called “Yellow Shore Crab” on iNaturalist. They’re almost every color except yellow, and very common where I live:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/183016827

Congratulations, everyone, all the 1,329 members of Crabs of the World! After seven years, we have surpassed our goal of 2,000 species, and now have 2,147, which is 153 more than my last post. (Quick reminder— Everyone, please add your crab observations to this project, as they are not automatically added. Thank you so much to everyone who adds them.)

First, every few months I focus on some species that are new to iNaturalist. Please notify me if you have a new species, otherwise I probably won’t know. Here are some spectacular new crabs by @uwkwaj in the Marshall Islands (these need confirmation for Research Grade):
A Chalaroachaeus curvipes (Spider/Decorator Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/153210707
A Tweedieia laysani (Round Crab)
www.inaturalist.org/observations/153069021
A Hyena brevifrons (Kelp Crab)
www.inaturalist.org/observations/153085857
a Lophozozymus edwardsi (Round Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/152986230
They are the only ones to photograph the Raylilia uenoi (Purse Crab), and five times in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands:
www.inaturalist.org/observations?verifiable=true&taxon_id=1463574&preferred_place_id=6847&locale=en

Some new hermit crabs observed by @eijimyorin, including Pagurus nigrofascia in Japan (needs confirmation for Research Grade):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/159706019

These are not new to iNaturalist, but wonderful to view:

Two by @craigjhowe in The Philippines:
and Lauriea siagiani (Hairy Squat Lobster):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/159612849
Calappa calappa (Smooth Box Crab)
www.inaturalist.org/observations/159835936

Speaking of Box Crabs, here’s a Calappa galloides eating another Box Crab, Cryptosoma cristatum by @dennisthe diver in Spain’s Canary Islands:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/158921850

A freshwater Amarinus lacustris by @invertebratist in New Zealand:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/159262360

Only the second Pagurixus ruler (Pagurid Hermit Crab) by @tahiticrabs in French Polynesia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/161333312

Have you heard of the crab genus Banareia? Here are three observations awaiting ID of species and then Research Grade confirmation:
by @rafi1 in The Philippines:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/158067965
by @smithsonian_marinegeo (and Florida Museum of Natural History with University of Hawaii at Manoa) in Hawaii:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/92238854
and by @uwkwaj in The Marshall Islands:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/152933928

Please let me know of any crab observations that you’d like me to highlight next time. Thanks! @wendy5

Greetings to all 1,324 members of Crabs of the World. Thanks for increasing our new total of 1,994 species, 36 more than on January 20. Every two to three months, I highlight some special observations. It's hard to choose! Our project goal is 2,000 species, and it’s exciting we only need SIX more! (Quick reminder— Everyone, please add your crab observations to this project, as they are not automatically added. Thank you so much to everyone who adds them.)

First, a focus on some species that are new to iNaturalist:

A purple and orange Freshwater Crab, Genus Sundathelphusa, possibly a yet to be described species, found by a waterfall at high elevation in The Philippines (wow!) by @albertkang:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/147069283

@uwkwaj spent years at Kwajalein and Enewetak Atolls in the Marshall Islands documenting marine life. They have just joined our project and brought several amazing new species, including some that still need confirmation for “Research Grade” (can you help?):
Here’s one of their Etisus demani (Pale Pebble Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/152952072
And one of their Tylocarcinus styx (a Kelp Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/153110200
Here are all their crab observations:
www.inaturalist.org/projects/crabs-of-the-world/contributors/uwkwaj

And now, some other not new, but noteworthy crabs and photos:

Great photos of a Dardanus sanguinocarpus (Bloody Hermit Crab) identified by @grahammcmartin and photographed by @glen_whisson thousands of miles out of range near Perth, Australia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/150490271

A wonderfully detailed photo of a Stenorhynchus seticornis (Yellowline Arrow Crab) by @djscho in the Cayman Islands:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/149276357

Two magnificent Left-handed Hermit Crabs by @billybs in the Galapagos:
an Aniculus elegans:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/150741527
and a Trizopagurus magnificus:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/131229989

A magical, colorful Pilumnus villosissimus by @dennisthediver in the Canary Islands, Spain:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/152151371

A Dardanus pedunculatus (Anemone Hermit Crab) who couldn’t find a shell and burrowed in the sand (!) by @michaeljohnson8 in The Philippines:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/152788989

I was fascinated by the Cyclocoeloma tuberculatum (Corallimorph Decorator Crab) with its astonishing decorations by @emma_brown1 in The Philippines:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/152906468
and then saw several other excellent observations of this same photogenic species in The Philippines, including:
by @pincetczy:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/134850493
by @paul_isotope:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/95841146
And here are two more beautiful ones in Indonesia, one by @popaul:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/148457568
and another by @tantsusoo:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/9327756

Remains of a Metacarcinus magister (Dungeness Crab) who became part of a River Otter’s meal in Alaska by @hfb:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/149356382

A gorgeous Tiaramedon spinosum (Thorny Crinoid Crab) by @rafi1 in Israel:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/150715166

Fabulous closeup photos of two rarely photographed crabs by @caleidoskopable in Indonesia—
Lupocyclus philippinensis (a Swimming Crab):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/150724932
and Porcellanella haigae (Haig’s Porcelain Crab)
www.inaturalist.org/observations/150679631

And an amazing conglomeration of Leptomithrax gaimardii (Great Spider Crabs) by @imogenisunderwater in Australia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/150718226

These are just a few of the extraordinary crabs you’ve all observed! Please notify me if you see any crabs new to iNaturalist or of interest. I’ll report on them in the next post. Thanks! Wendy @wendy5

Happy New Year to all 1,312 members of Crabs of the World. Thanks for increasing our new total of 1,958 species, 29 more than on November 3. Every two to three months, I highlight some special observations. Quick reminder— Everyone, please add your crab observations to this project, as they are not automatically added. Thank you so much to everyone who adds them. Our project goal is 2,000 species, and we only need 42 more!

First, a focus on some species that are new to iNaturalist:
•A lovely Petrolisthes polymitus (a Porcelain Crab) by @alboertoalcala in Mexico:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/141240116

•A Paguristes bakeri (Left-handed Hermit Crab) by @crabsandshrimps in California (only recently Research Grade, but the observer is an expert):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/80493513

•Also in China, two new Round Crabs by @encyrtid, a Zozymodes cavipes:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/146574651
and a Forestiana scabra:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/146457183

•And an example of great teamwork in Crabs of the World: Five years ago, @naspeer found an unfamiliar crab when visiting Vietnam, and labelled it “True Crabs.” Crab taxonomist @rueangritp knew it was a Eurasian Freshwater Crab, confirmed by expert @ondrej-radosta. A few months ago @quang_khai identified it as an Indochinamon phongnha, a first for iNaturalist. This month @chekiangense_longpotamon confirmed the ID to Research Grade.
www.inaturalist.org/observations/8451287

These two are new and need confirmation to be Research Grade:
•A new Indochinamon jinpingense (Family Potamidae- Eurasian Freshwater Crab) by @ @chekiangense_longpotamon in China:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/146450059

•A Phimochirus randalli (Pagurid Hermit Crab) by @craigjhowe in Belize:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/145665684

And now, some other noteworthy crabs and photos:
•A beautiful close up of a Dardanus megistos (White-spotted Hermit Crab) by @albertkang in The Philippines:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/144036174

•An adorable Expalicus maculatus (Button Crab) by @dama in Hawaii:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/141344679

•Also in Hawaii, a spectacular Aniculus maximus (Hairy Yellow Hermit Crab) by @davidr:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/145647762

•A colorful and rarely found Liopetrolisthes mitra (a Porcelain Crab), one of many interesting crabs by @leslieh and the Biodiversity Ilo team from the Florida Museum of Natural History & the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles in Peru:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/144283331
See all their observations here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/biodiversity-ilo

•Another porcelain crab, the spectacular Aliaporcellana spongicola (Barrel Sponge) by @tantsusoo in Indonesia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/145627760

•A Matuta planipes (Flower Moon Crab) that looks like a painting by @kjadiver in Australia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/145471980

•A colorful Pagurid Hermit Crab, Pylopaguropsis keijii, by @adurbano in New Caledonia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/142210213
and by @rafi1 in Israel (needs confirmation for Research Grade):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/134827151

•A red, blue, and black Parasesarma indiarum by @twan3253 in Malaysia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/132790160

•Finally one of my favorite crabs, a Parasesarma brevicristatum by @davidgwhite in Australia, was identified and got to Research Grade:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/35593430

And here’s one that needs an ID:
•A silvery white crab by @pincetczy in The Philippines:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/141439460

Please notify me if you see any crabs new to iNaturalist or of interest. I’ll report on them in the next post. Thanks! Wendy @wendy5

Greetings to all 1,295 members of Crabs of the World. Thanks for increasing our new total of 1,929 species, 40 more than just two months ago! In the past two months we have 175 new members, since iNaturalist featured it. Every two to three months, I highlight some interesting observations. It’s a cold, rainy day where I live, so today seemed like a good day for this. I envy those of you diving in warm, clear, turquoise water! Quick reminder— Everyone, please add your crab observations to this project, as they are not automatically added.

First, a focus on some species that are new to iNaturalist:
•A Neostrengeria boyacensis (Neotropical Freshwater Crab) by @ada_crab in Colombia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/106338879

•Two new Round Crabs by @dama in Hawaii (need confirmation to be Research Grade):
A lovely lavender and burgundy Xanthias canaliculatus:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/133181916
A Paraxanthias notatus with peach-colored eyes:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/133181906

•@encyrtid is the administrator of a fabulous project, Brachyuran Crabs of China: www.inaturalist.org/projects/brachyuran-crabs-of-china and here are some first Sesarmid Marsh Crabs:
A Parasesarma ungulata:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/106163882
A Parasesarma maipoense:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/106163879
And a Parasesarma exquisitum:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/106163878

Next, six hermit crabs:
•A Dardanus megistos (White-spotted Hermit Crab) by @mndiminuco in Guam, noted by @grahammcmartin because it moved into an unusual shell:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/133903196

•A rather amazing Dardanus gemmatus (Jeweled Anemone Hermit Crab by @sea-kangaroo in Hawaii:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/138671637

•Magical eyes on this Dardanus fucosus (Barrie Hermit) by @coralreefdreams in Florida:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/138544712

•The brightest blue Coenobita purpureus (Blueberry Hermit Crab) by @kuroshio in Japan:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/140328091

•Great closeup photos of a Cestopagurus timidus (Pagurid Hermit Crab) by @susanne-kasimir in Spain:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/133744110

•A beautifully colorful Pagurus prideaux (Prideaux’s Hermit Crab) by @dennisthediver in the Canary Islands:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/132667107

And now, some other noteworthy crabs:
•Two very interesting observations of the amazing Dorippe frascone (Urchin Carrier Crab):
(1) by @tantsusoo in Sulawesi, Indonesia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/137275465
(2) by @albertkang in The Philippines:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/139707990

•A tiny and lovely crab, Amarinus lacustris, by @invertebratist in New Zealand:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/108358401
and years ago by @corunastylis in Australia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/137715054

•A gorgeous Munda olivarae (Olivar’s Squat Lobster) by @pincetczy in The Philippines:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/134847720

•A hiding Caphyra loevis (Xenia Swimming Crab), by @craigjhowe in Sulawesi, Indonesia:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/138963918

•A great photo of a Petrolisthes boscii (Striated Red Porcelain Crab) by @ajamalabad in India:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/67233399

•Finally, a very cool crab (Superfamily Majoidea) not yet identified to species by @djscho in the Cayman Islands:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/140276272

Please notify me if you see any crabs new to iNaturalist or of interest. I’ll report on them in the next post. Thanks! Wendy @wendy5

Greetings to all 1,120 members of Crabs of the World. Thanks for increasing our new total to 1,879 species, 40 more than three months ago! Many members are new to this project; in the past three months we have 421 new members from all over the world! This may be due to iNaturalist featuring it as “New & Noteworthy” on the project page.

Everyone, please add your crab observations to this project, as they are not automatically added.

Here are some interesting observations in recent months:

A new species:
A Leucisca squalina (Purse Crab) by @seastung in South Africa (needs confirmation to be “Research Grade”):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/127644363

Here are two new Eurasian Freshwater Crabs by @chekiangense_longpotamon in China:
A Paratelphusula burmensis:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/123389121
A Sinopotamon kwanhsienense; this is one of two observations (needs confirmation to be “Research Grade”):
www.inaturalist.org/observations/115537988

A rarely seen Kelp Crab was spotted twice by @flaviomendes in Brazil, about a week apart:
Epialtus bituberculatus www.inaturalist.org/observations/126725266
and Epialtus brasiliensis: www.inaturalist.org/observations/127915336

@bergylta is the person who has documented more Lithodes maja (Norway King Crab) than anyone on iNaturalist, but in a Swedish fjord. Here’s one:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/107133166

Two Australian divers found the very special Austrodromidia octodentata (Bristled Sponge Crab) with its orange eyes perfectly matching its surroundings. @johnsear found one on an orange ascidian:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/123306705
and @drelodiecamprasse found one under an orange sponge:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/106484947

Thanks to @wernerdegier, a Calappa pustules (Box Crab) found by @manuelaviage in Angola is now identified:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/127009867

That’s all for now. Please notify me if you see any crabs new to iNaturalist. Thanks! Wendy @wendy5

Hi crab enthusiasts around the world,

I want to share this wonderful and inspiring article with all of you, even though crabs aren't mentioned. It features a long-time member of "Crabs of the World," @chlorophilia aka Andrew Simon, who is identifying every species on his Canadian island. That includes twelve crab species!

https://hakaimagazine.com/features/a-communitys-quest-to-document-every-species-on-their-island-home/?omhide=true&utm_source=Hakai+Magazine+Weekly&utm_campaign=8a7559c6f5-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_09_06_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0fc1967411-8a7559c6f5-121621045

Wendy

Greetings to all 699 members of Crabs of the World! Thanks for increasing our new total of 1,839 species, 17 more than two months ago! In this 6th Anniversary post, we have an interview with the last of our five project managers, @sea-kangaroo, a naturalist and international scuba diver. Then links to a spectacular crab that’s new to iNaturalist, plus a focus on three amazing crabs that aren't new.

Q: How did you first become interested in crabs? 

A: I've always been a general nature enthusiast, and the first crabs that caught my attention as a kid were the Coconut Crabs in a picture book, with their impressive size and strength; and the little blue-eyed Calcinus hermit crabs in tidepools in Hawai'i, which are abundant, brightly-colored, and bold enough that they'd go about their normal crab business even with me right there, watching and handling them. Later I read about the amazing spawning aggregations of horseshoe crabs and Christmas Island Red Crabs and really wanted to go see for myself. I eventually was able to and they were as wonderful as I'd imagined. Overall I like crabs' diversity of color, shape, and niche; their sometimes-pugnacious personalities; and that there are so many places where I can see them.

Q: Do you have any favorite crab species? 

A: I particularly like the land crabs (Gecarcinidae). They're big and colorful, and since they're less tied to water than other crabs, can be found in all kinds of weird places. Christmas Island is of course ruled by this family and the public restrooms on the migration path often had crabs in them being funny: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/47328 (or https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/47330) I also really like Kona Crabs, which are really strangely-shaped and look like mammals when they're running away over the sand, and Australian soldier crabs, which at low tides cover the sand flats in such numbers it looks like the ground is moving. From a jetty once I got a front-row seat to see epic drama of soldier crabs vs. toadfish: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/15726779

Q: Do you have a memory of a special encounter with a crab while scuba diving?

A: I don't really have a particular big memory, just lots of little ones. The thing I love about scuba diving as opposed to freediving is that I'm not limited by my lung capacity, so I can hang out in one spot for a while and see what little critters or behaviors emerge. A sponge or piece of seaweed that turns out to be a camouflaged decorator crab, holes in coral heads that are full of coral hermit crabs waving their ferny antennae, baby Sea Cucumber Crabs climbing around in their host cucumber's oral tentacles, etc.

Q: Any crabs you'd particularly like to see that you haven't yet? 

A: Geosesarma malayanum, a land crab often found in Nepenthes ampullaria pitcher plants, stealing prey from the pitchers! And I'd like to actually get photos and a decent look at a Kona Crab, which are very quick to run away and bury themselves.

Now... a crab that’s new to iNaturalist:
A Hoplophrys oatesii @rafi1 in Bali:
www.inaturalist.org/observations/105773368

These crabs aren’t new, but worthy of note:

1. A Gecarcinus ruricola (Black Land Crab) by @djscho in Saba, Eastern Caribbean:
   www.inaturalist.org/observations/109542112

2. A beautifully adorned Hyastenus (Kelp Crab) by @dama in Hawaii:
   www.inaturalist.org/observations/111744035

3. A spectacular Dorippe frascone (Urchin Carrier Crab) photographed by @tantsusoo in Indonesia:
   www.inaturalist.org/observations/115182990
   inspired me to look at other observations of this amazing crab, first these in Indonesia:
   by @davidr:
   www.inaturalist.org/observations/20549015
   by @zahnerphoto:
   www.inaturalist.org/observations/41381151
   by @craigjhowe:
   www.inaturalist.org/observations/37259652
   and by @maractwin:
   www.inaturalist.org/observations/2074884
   plus one by @franca2020 in The Philippines:
   www.inaturalist.org/observations/68691052

If you read this far, a quick reminder to please add your crab observations to the project, as they are not automatically added. Thanks!