Xaiva biguttata

(Risso, 1816)

Description:
Carapace posteriorly elevated, dorsal surface smooth, frontal region produced well in advance of first pair of antero-lateral teeth; median and sub-median lobes sometimes developed but obtuse; each dorso-orbital margin with a small lobe. Antero-lateral margins of carapace with five teeth, margin of first long and concave. Chelipeds equal in size and compressed, inner margin of carpus and propodus with setose longitudinal carinae; second to fifth pereiopods moderately stout and compressed; anterior margins of propodus and carpus of second to fourth pereiopods cristate; dactylus of fifth lanceolate with a median carina.

Size:
Carapace length up to 14 (20) mm.

Habitat:
Depth range reported from low water spring tides in coarse shell and fine gravel. to metres. Rare in Area, reported Ovigerous crabs and megalopas in August.

Colour:
Carapace uniform dull greenish-yellow to white, dactylus of second to fourth pereiopods pale brown to violet.

Distribution:
East Channel, Plymouth.

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