HIPPA ADACTYLA

The little, sand-burrowing decapod crab species Hippa adactyla inhabits the shores of the Indo-West Pacific. It can be found in the swash area of the intertidal zone on bare sandy beaches.

Classification of Hippa adactyla

Habit and habitat

Hippa is commonly found in the sand bottoms and beaches near the coastal region. It burrows with fast speed.

Distribution

It is found on Pacific coast, U.S.A. and Oregon to Mexico.

Comments on Hippa adactyla

• Commonly called as mole crab.
• Body is somewhat reduced and the sub-cylindrical carapace is provided with wings which cover the legs. Rostrum is reduced.
• Head appendages are a pair of stalked compound eyes, a pair of short antennules a pair cf long hairy antennae. The third maxillipedes are broad.
• 7 pairs of thoracic appendages are present. First 2 pairs are partially chelate, next two pairs are pointed anteriorly and last three pairs are backwardly pointed.
• A gill is attached with each thoracic legs. Last one or two pairs of thoracic appendages are usually smaller and often concealed by the carapace.
• Abdomen is more or less reduced often soft and bent upon itself. The abdominal pleura small.
• Abdomen 6-segmented. First 3 abdominal segments bear swimming appendages and produce water current to bathe the gills.
• The last three are posteriorly directed and are called as uropods, which are used for darting.

Identifications

Since the specimen contains sub-cylindrical carapace concealing appendages and all above features, hence it is Hippa.

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