The biologically diverse but ecologically-threatened Philippines is found to be the home of four new species of freshwater crab which is bright purple in color. These tiny purple crab species burrow under boulders and roots in streams, which feeds on dead plants, fruits, carrion and small animals in the water at night.
Found only in lowland-forest ecosystems in the Palawan island group, most of the tiny crustaceans have purple shells, with claws and legs tipped red.
Scientists began extensive investigations of similar freshwater crabs in the area in the late 1980s, when one new species was found -- the Insulamon unicorn.
US-based Conservation International lists the Philippines as one of 17 countries that harbors most of Earth's plant and animal life.
Specie name:
Found only in lowland-forest ecosystems in the Palawan island group, most of the tiny crustaceans have purple shells, with claws and legs tipped red.
Scientists began extensive investigations of similar freshwater crabs in the area in the late 1980s, when one new species was found -- the Insulamon unicorn.
US-based Conservation International lists the Philippines as one of 17 countries that harbors most of Earth's plant and animal life.
Specie name:
- Insulamon magnum (53 by 41.8 millimetre)
- Insulamon porculum (33.1 by 25.1 millimetres)
- Insulamon palawense (new)
- Insulamon johannchristiani (new)
Post a Comment