144 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



disturbed when feeding or if dug out, it disappears with great 

 rapidity, burrowing backward into the sand. It is predacious, feed- 

 ing upon other forms, but, like most crabs, will eat dead fish or other 

 animals. 



Its cast skin, which is very brilliant with its red spots, is frequently 

 found on the beach. 



Fig. i.'. Platyonich us ocella t us (After Rathbun} 



This species was described in 1799 by Herbst and its locality 

 given as " Long-Eiland bey Newyorck ". 



Length of carapace 6 cm. Color light, but with numerous bright 

 red or purple spots, which are arranged in circles on the carapace 

 and are largest on the claws. 



Sandy beaches. 



Carcinus moenus Leach 



Green crab 



Carcinus moenus Leach. Mai. Podoph. t.v.f.i-4. DeKay. /. c. 1844. 

 p.S, pi. 5, fig.5, 6. 



Carcinus g r a n u 1 a t u s Verrill. /. c. 1874. p. 547. 



Carapace slightly broader than long, with five acute teeth; pos- 

 terior legs end in points ; color green. 



A rather striking looking species, which is found running over 

 the bottoms in shallow water or concealed under rocks or seaweed 

 between tides. It is a very active and pugnacious creature, and the 



