Field Guide to Native and Invasive Crab Species in Northern New England Intertidal Zone
This field guide provides detailed information on native and invasive crab species commonly found in the intertidal zone in northern New England. It includes identification features and distinctions among the species, serving as a useful tool for conducting intertidal green crab quadrat surveys. The guide specifically highlights rock crab, Jonah crab, European green crab, and Asian shore crab, aiding in the recognition and differentiation of these species.
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Field Guide Native and invasive crab species commonly found in the intertidal zone in northern New England
The purpose of this field guide is to help identify the native and invasive crab species most commonly found in the intertidal zone in northern New England. This guide is also a tool for conducting intertidal green crab quadrat surveys. The protocol for these surveys can be found at https://www.manomet.org/project/fisheries/. The two native crab species that can be found in the intertidal zone are the rock crab (Cancer irroratus) and the Jonah crab (Cancer borealis). The two invasive crab species commonly found in the intertidal zone are the European green crab (Carcinus maenas) and the Asian shore crab (Hemigrapsus sanguineus). Common identifying features: Green crab: 5 spines or teeth on either side of eyes, 3 spines/teeth in between eyes. Asian shore crab: 3 spines on either side of eyes and distinct banding on legs Jonah crab: bumby, non-distinct spines Rock crab: smooth, pointed spines Sex distinction: broadly, male crabs have a narrow, pointed, triangular abdomen or apron and female crabs have a wider more beehive shaped abdomen. Distinctions within species shown below.
Intertidal crab field guide Native crabs Invasive crabs Carcinus maenas (Green crab) Cancer borealis (Jonah crab) Bumpy spines. Male Female Five spines on each side of eyes. Female Male Cancer irroratus (Rock crab) Smooth spines. Hemigrapsus sanguineus (Asian shore crab) Male Male Three spines on each side of eyes. Distinct banding on legs. Female Female
