|
Zanthopsis
leachi (Desmarest)
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|
Superfamily |
Family |
Subfamily |
Genus |
Species |
Treatise |
Comments /Relevant Synonyms |
|
XANTHOIDEA Dana, 1851 |
XANTHIDAE Dana, 1851 |
- |
Zanthopsis M'Coy, 1849 Note (4) |
Zanthopsis leachi (Desmarest) |
R522 Fig 329,1 |
Xanthopsis leachii Bell Note (3) |
| Zanthopsis
leachi is probably the most commonly found crab, but is not the most
common, Glyphithreus wetherelli has that honour but is much smaller
so tends to be overlooked. Several species of Zanthopsis have been recorded
from Sheppey, and there is some debate as to whether they represent
separate species or are part of a rapid evolutionary continuum. However
we view these species, they are all obviously very closely related and
may well have been capable of inter-breeding. The debate remains open. |
|
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|
Male
upper
|
 |
|
Female
underside
|
 |
|
Male
underside
|
 |
| Small
specimen on the surface of a septarian cement stone |
 |
|
Rolled
phosphatic nodule as found on the beach
|
 |
| Specimen
as found on the foreshore, washed out and stained red from the iron
pyrite contained within the nodule. |
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