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).

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

Behavior

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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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  • Miller M & Batt G, Reef and Beach Life of New Zealand, William Collins (New Zealand) Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1973
  • Bach, Catherine; Hazlett, Brian (2010). "Individuality in the predator defense behaviour of the crab Heterozius rotundifrons". Behaviour. 147 (5–6): 587–597. doi:10.1163/000579510x12629536366329. ISSN 0005-7959.
  • Hazlett, Brian A.; Mclay, Colin (2005-04). "Responses to predation risk: alternative strategies in the crab Heterozius rotundifrons". Animal Behaviour. 69 (4): 967–972. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2004.06.028. ISSN 0003-3472.