Hairy Stone Crab (Lomis hirta)

Descriptions

Original Description

As Written by (Lamarck, 1818)

Porcellane herissee. Porcellana hirta P. testa subovata, antice attenuata, hirta, chelis latis compressis superne margineque hirtis.

Translated Description

Latin to English

Porcellane herissee. Porcelain hairy "P. testa" is subovate, anteriorly attenuated, hairy, broad compressed chelae on the distal margin and hairy.

Explanation

What Does It Mean?

This original description is rather vague in terms of actually describing this species but in my best interpretation anteriorly attenuated is indicating that the shape is thinner anteriorly (towards the front) than posteriorly (rearwards) the hairy is the easiest to understand and if you look at this crab it is covered in short setae(hairs) over it's entire body. The broad chelae again is easy and the chelae of this crab are broad.

So if we look at that description we can see the shape is loosely ovate and thinner towards the front of the crab than the posterior and covered in short hairs with broad chelae.

Identification

The crab's small hairs, or setae, capture silt and sand, enhancing its camouflage in its habitat. It features a flat, triangular carapace and with only three legs that fit snugly against its body and each other. Its claws (chelae) are large and flattened. While the crab typically blends in well, its bright blue antennae and mouth parts become visible when the claws are spread apart.

View on YouTube Video Details

Three Walking legs

A hairy crab edited image to show the blue antennae and moth parts of this crab

Blue antennae and mouth parts

An edited image of a hairy crab to show the shape of the carapace

Carapace Shape

Source Details

Translation & Document Details

Translation Details Translated using https://lingvanex.com/translation/latin-english from Latin to English, Description is found on page 229 of the forementioned document

Original Document Histoire naturelle des animaux sans vertèbres

Title Natural History of Invertebrate Animals

Link http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/12886879

Date Added Mon 9 Dec 2024

Last Updated Mon 5 Jan 2026

Identification Note For ease I have included the identification block here to see how that compares with the original description and my explanation of that description. Also note that over time more research is done and more definite features are added that change what the original descriptions may have — but it is important to note the original author and their descriptions.

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — as a result the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information.