Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

<em>Hippa australis</em> [from Hale 1927: fig. 94]

Hippa australis [from Hale 1927: fig. 94]

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Family HIPPIDAE Stimpson, 1858

Introduction

Hippids are relatively small, crab-like anomurans, commonly termed `mole' or `sand' crabs for their habit of burrowing into the substrate. Because of this habit they are encountered relatively uncommonly, and thus have been poorly studied. The Hippidae and Albuneidae are closely related and generally grouped together under the superfamily Hippoidea Latreille. The modern works of most relevance to the Australian fauna are those of Haig (1974a, 1974b). Three genera are known from the Indo-west Pacific: Hippa Fabricius, Mastigochirus Miers, and Emerita Scopoli, but only the first two have been recorded from Australia. Boyko & Harvey (1999) provided an annotated list and key to Indo-west Pacific genera and species.

 

Diagnosis

Carapace ovate, more or less expanded laterally; rostrum reduced or absent; ocular peduncles short or long, cornea distinct. Third maxillipeds sub-operculiform with enlarged, broadened merus; without exopods. First pereiopods not subchelate, dactyli cylindrical or lamellate. Dactyli of second, third and fourth pereiopods flattened. Endopod and exopod of uropod long, lamellar. Telson strongly elongated, lanceolate, apically acute. Female with three pairs of pleopods on abdominal somites 2–4. (Modified after Miyake 1978).

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
24-Apr-2012 24-Apr-2012 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)