Insulamon palawanense
The purple crab or Insulamon palawanense, is a Filipino crab species.[1]
History
It was discovered in 2012.[1] The species was first described by Hendrik Freitag of the Senckenberg Museum of Zoology in Dresden, Germany.[1] It is rare and unique in that is has purple coloration.[1] The crustacean is native to the island of Palawan.[1] The crab's distribution is widespread on the island.[1] It has been theorized that the striking iridescent purple coloration is the assist the beast in recognizing others of its race.[1] However it may also be for no particular purpose as well.[2] They are 2.5 to 5.3 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Newly discovered purple crabs
- ^ Pretty in Purple, The National Geographic Society, 18-04-2012, access date 25-04-2012