Leptograpsus variegatus (Purple Swift-footed Shore Crab)
Species Account
A large, wide-ranging Indo-Pacific species typically found on exposed rocky shores near the high tide mark. A fast-moving species which quickly shelters in crevices and under overhangs when disturbed. The lateral margins of the carapace are broadly rounded and armed with two strong teeth behind the eyes. The legs are long and flattened. The body colour is highly variable, ranging from dark olive green to dark purple or slate; chelipeds mostly purple except for white fingers. Body width to 80 mm. — John W. Short, 2026
High-resolution downloadable image
Colour photograph, 3600 x 2400 pixels (30 x 20 cm @ 300dpi), JPEG (2.54 MB). Photographed specimen collected from Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia, John W. Short, 9 March 1998.
License – a restricted, non-exclusive license to reproduce the image in a single edition of a printed publication (see Terms and Conditions).
Attribution – John W. Short, BioAccess Australia.