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| crabs text index | photo index |
| Phylum Arthropoda > Subphylum Crustacea > Class Malacostraca > Order Decapoda > Brachyurans | Family Calappidae |
| Spotted
box crab Calappa philargius Family Calappidae updated Dec 12 Where seen? This large boxy crab with four big spots on its flat pincers is sometimes seen on the sandy shores of Changi near seagrass areas. It is more active at night and are rarely seen by daytime visitors as it is then usually buried in the sediments. Once, several pairs were seen half buried near one another. Features: Body width 8-10cm. It does look rather box-like with a semi-circular body and wing-like extensions on the sides and back that cover part of the walking legs. The adult Spotted box crab has a total of six spots: two dark spots on each pincer and a dark ring around each eye. Small ones may have only one spot in the middle of the body just behind the eyes. It holds its pincers in front of its body to form a boxy shape. So it is sometimes also called the Shame-face crab as it appears to be covering its face in shame. The inner part of the flat pincers have striking brown patterns. What does it eat? The pincers of box crabs are specialised for cracking open snail shells. The snail is gripped in the left pincer which has pointed claws. With the right pincer, which is stronger, the crab cuts pieces of the shell from the shell opening. Once the gap is big enough, the crab can enjoy its snail meal. Status and threats: This crab is listed as Vulnerable in the Red Data List of threatened animals of Singapore. |
 Changi, May 06  Changi, May 06 |
 Striking brown patterns on inner portion of flat pincers. Changi, May 12 |
 Changi, May 12 |
 A pair buried next to one another. Changi, May 06 |
 Changi, May 12 |
 Changi, May 12 |
 Changi, May 12 |
 Changi, May 11  Tanah Merah, May 11 |
Spotted box crabs seen on Singapore shores
| Photos for free download from wildsingapore flickr |
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