General Description

Carapace anterolateral margin with 3 sharp spines, usually secondarily tuberculate; carapace with scattered long stiff hairs, especially anteriorly; larger specimens with small spinules close to anterolateral margin of carapace. Cheliped with small stout spines on outer face; walking legs with few tubercles or smooth on upper margin of meri, with spines on carpi and propodi. Up to 17 mm wide.

Biology

Whereas many crabs will attempt to escape when disturbed or captured, pilumnud crabs play dead, curling their legs up to look as inconspicuous as possible. Their camouflage makes them difficult to see even when rocks are turned. This species is common in Bass Strait.

Distribution

Southern temperate oceans, including southern Australia.

Habitat

Intertidal, to 100 m depth.

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