42 CRUSTACEA OF ALABAMA. 



CRUSTACEA DECAPODA. 



(Ten-footed Crustacea.) 



ORDER BRCHYURA. 

 (Crabs.) 



GENUS CALLINECTES. 



Callinectes hastatus, Ordway. 



This common species is known in the South as the "sea crab," and is identical 

 with the "blue crab" of the northern markets. It is abundant upon the sandy shallow 

 shores of Mobile bay, where many " crabbers " may be seen armed with scoop-net and 

 bag almost any pleasant morning. It does not fear fresh water. The spawning season 

 extends through the greater part of the summer. The species is not only the most im- 

 portant and abundant, but also the most active of the southern crabs. It feeds upon 

 small fish and also acts as a scavenger, devouring greedily decaying refuse. Crabs are 

 caught by angling or trolling with a bit of meat or by dipping with a net from shallow 

 water. Twice as broad as long, with very acute lateral spines with eight smaller ones 

 on the antero-lateral margin of each side. Color green, with blue upon the claws. 



GENUS PANOPEUS. 



Panopeus herbstii, Edwards. 



The mud crab is probably found along the gulf coast, though none were gathered 

 by us. 



GENUS MENIPPE. 



One or more species of stone crab is known to exist along the shores of the south- 

 ern states. 



GENUS EUPAGURUS. 



Eupagurus longicarpus and probably other species of hermit crab may be sought 

 in empty gasteropod shells. 



