242 ANIMALS OF THE SEASHORE 



Uca pug-nax Smith (Marsh Fiddler Crab) 



This odd looking crab is often found in great 

 numbers scurrying about the mud flats. The males 

 all have one claw very much enlarged; this large 

 claw is used for fighting and in defending the fe- 

 males. The females have smaller claws of equal 

 size. Fiddler crabs live in burrows in the mud just 

 beyond the reach of the tide; upon the approach of 

 danger they quickly disappear within their holes. 

 The resemblance of the large claws of the male to 

 a fiddle gives the name fiddler crab. Cape Cod to 

 Florida. 



Uca pugilator Bosc (Sand Fiddler Crab^ 



PLATE XXVIL. Fig. 5 



Similar to the above except that the inner sur- 

 face of the large claw (cheliped) does not have the 

 oblique ridge which is present in U. pugnax. Its color 

 also is different, the carapace being purplish gray 

 with irregular markings of brown, dark gray or 

 violet, 



It is usually found in more sandy associations 

 than U. pugnax, but is often seen associated with it. 

 Habits and distribution similar to the above; not 

 quite as common in New Jersey. 



