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| Kani maranjandun Kumar, Raj & Ng, 2017 |
Abstract
A new genus and new species of tree crab is described from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in Kerala, southern India.Kani maranjandun gen., n. sp., is substantially different from all congeners in a suite of characters, notably the diagnostic carapace and male abdominal structure, as well as the conspicuously elongated ambulatory legs. The species is wholly arboreal, living in tree-hollows or the canopy.
Keywords: freshwater crabs, Kerala, new taxa, systematics
When approached by members of the Kani tribe, the crabs climb up the trunk of Cinnamomum verum, the tribesmen then cut a series of holes in trees to climb up after them.
Appukuttannair Biju Kumar, Smrithy Raj and Peter K. L. Ng. 2017. Description of A New Genus and New Species of A Fully Arboreal Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) from the Western Ghats, India, with Notes on the Ecology of Arboreal Crabs. J. Crustacean Biol. rux012. DOI: 10.1093/jcbiol/rux012
New species of tree living crab found in Western Ghats eurekalert.org/e/7lyX via @EurekAlert
New species of tree living crab found in Western Ghats sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170403091310.htm
