Introducing a new species of hermit crab, the strawberry claw

Credit: Queensland Museum
The Strawberry Crow is the first large hermit crab discovered by science, recently described by scientists at the Queensland Museum.
With its distinctive deep red claws, it’s no surprise that this crab was given its scientific name, Strigopagurus fragarchela, which comes from the Latin word for “strawberry” (fragaria), which emphasizes the bright red color of its claws and gait. ” is a combination of feet.
Scientifically described by Peter Davey, Emeritus Professor Emeritus of the Queensland Museum, and Dr Marissa McNamara, Queensland Museum Collections Manager, the hermit crab is found in relatively deep waters (120-260 meters deep) off the coast of south-east Queensland. and has been given the common name “strawberry”. A hermit with claws. ”
This paper was recently published in the Queensland Museum Memoirs – Nature.
Dr McNamara said the new species had some very distinctive features. Their most striking feature is their bright red claws, but just like cicadas in the air, they have also evolved a unique way of making sounds underwater (beating sounds).
“We quickly learned that this was a special hermit crab and quickly nicknamed it ‘Strawberry Claw,'” Dr McNamara said.
“The identification of Strigopagurus fragarchela is an interesting addition to the genus, which appears to be home to Australia. There are currently four endemic species, two of which are found only in Queensland.”
Little is known about the ecology of this new species of hermit crab, as it has only been collected by trawlers, but there is no doubt that it is an important member of the rich community of the continental shelf off south-east Queensland. there is no.
Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson praised the work of Dr Peter Davey and Dr Marissa McNamara on this scientific paper.
“The work of Queensland Museum scientists and researchers will help provide a record of Queensland’s biodiversity for future generations,” Dr Thompson said.
“Our natural history collections are more than just preserved specimens; they are important tools for scientific discovery, conservation, and public education.”
Further information: PJF Davie and MKA McNamara, A new species of hermit crab in the genus Strigopagurus Forest from the continental shelf off south-east Queensland, Australia, 1995 (Crustacea: Anomura: Diogenidae), Queensland Museum Memoirs – Nature ( 2024) ). DOI: 10.17082/j.2204-1478.65.2024.2024-04
Provided by Queensland Museum
Citation: Meet Strawberry Claws — New Species of Hermit Crab (November 9, 2024), https://phys.org/news/2024-11-strawberry-claws-species-hermit- Retrieved from crab.html
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