DECAPODA. MAIADJE. 



BRACHYURA. 



GENUS MAIA, Lam. 



Cancer, Herbst. 



Inachus, Fabr. 



Maia, Lam. Leach, Edwards. 



Generic character. — External antennae with the basal portion 

 very broad, forming a considerable part of the inferior boundary of 

 the orbit^ furnished with two strong spines, the outer one directed 

 outwards and forwards, the inner curved downwards ; the move- 

 able portion inserted at the outer and upper angle of the basal por- 

 tion, where it fills the inner canthus of the orbit. Internal an- 

 tennce placed in triangular fossae, between the anterior extremity of 

 which is a strong spine, exactly similar to the inferior spine of tlie 

 basal joint of the external antennae and ranging with them. Et/es 

 not thicker than their peduncles, which are elongated and slightly 

 curved. Orbits deep, oval ; their upper boundary, which is arched, 

 having two fissures. Carapace ovate-subtriangular, convex, cover- 

 ed with numerous spines or tubercles. Rostrum very strong, bifur- 

 cate, the horns somewhat divaricate. Anterior legs elongated, 

 thicker than the others in the adult male, but much smaller in 

 younger age, and in the female ; the hands and wrists long, the 

 fingers tapering and pointed, and scarcely toothed. Legs of the 

 remaining pairs elongate, cylindrical, the terminal joint naked 

 at the extremity, and without spines beneath. Abdomen seven- 

 jointed in both sexes. 



