Shield-backed Kelp Crab [Pugettia pugil]
Description
The Shield-backed Kelp Crab is native to the western coast of North America, from British Columbia to Baja California. It is most commonly found in kelp forests and rocky intertidal zones. This species has a distinctive shield-shaped carapace and can reach sizes of up to 6 centimeters in carapace width. The color of the Shield-backed Kelp Crab varies from brown to red and green.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Crustaceans
Malacostraca
|
| Order |
Decapods
Decapoda
|
| Family |
Spider Crabs
Majidae
|
| Genus |
Kelp Crabs
Pugettia
|