. The Biological bulletin. Biology; Zoology; Biology; Marine Biology. SOME OBSERVATIONS OX THE GENERAL BIOLOGY OF THE LAND CRAB, CARDISOMA GUANHUMI (LATREILLE), IN SOUTH FLORIDA ' CHARLES A. GIFFORD The Institute of Marine Science, University of Miami, Miami 49, Florida Land crabs of the genus Cardisoma, Family Gecarcinidae, are an important ele- ment of the fauna of many tropical coastal and estuarine areas. The genus is circum-equatorial, with different species on the east and west coasts of each continent. Cardisoma gnanhnmi was described by Rathbun (1918). Its range includes the east coast
. The Biological bulletin. Biology; Zoology; Biology; Marine Biology. SOME OBSERVATIONS OX THE GENERAL BIOLOGY OF THE LAND CRAB, CARDISOMA GUANHUMI (LATREILLE), IN SOUTH FLORIDA ' CHARLES A. GIFFORD The Institute of Marine Science, University of Miami, Miami 49, Florida Land crabs of the genus Cardisoma, Family Gecarcinidae, are an important ele- ment of the fauna of many tropical coastal and estuarine areas. The genus is circum-equatorial, with different species on the east and west coasts of each continent. Cardisoma gnanhnmi was described by Rathbun (1918). Its range includes the east coast of America, from Florida to Brazil, and the Caribbean Islands. Despite the large numbers in which Cardisoma occurs in or near many densely populated areas, and its spectacular colors, migrations, and swarming, it has been largely neglected by zoologists. Brief descriptions of its ecology and behavior were given by Pearse (1915 ) and by de Oliviera (1946). Pearse (1934) found its blood to be hypo-osmotic to normal sea water. The eggs and first zoeal larva of the \Yest African species, C. aniiatiini, were described by Cannon (1923). Taxonomic descriptions and reports of occurrence are more frequent and sometimes include brief notes on habits and ecology. Some aspects of the physiology of blood regulation of C. guanhumi have been studied in this laboratory and will be published elsewhere. The following observa- tions were made during the collection and maintenance of a stock of animals in the laboratory. Since Florida is at the northern limit of the animal's range, these observations may not apply to the species as a whole. GENERAL DESCRIPTION C. guanhumi was described in detail by Rathbun (1918). As an adult it some- what resembles Lea in general shape; its eyes are widespread, large and on fairlv long stalks, and one cheliped of adult males is enlarged. Cardisoma. however, is much larger than Uca. Adult males weighing 500 grams, with carapace widths of 10-11 cm., are not uncomm
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Keywords: ., bookauthorlilliefrankrat, booksubjectbiology, booksubjectzoology
