Polybius holsatus, sometimes known by the common name flying crab, is a species of swimming crab found chiefly in the North Sea, Irish Sea and English Channel.[2][3] It has a carapace up to 4 centimetres (1.6 in) wide, which is brownish-grey with a green tinge.[4] It is very similar in appearance to the harbour crab Polybius depurator.[4]
| Polybius holsatus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Decapoda |
| Suborder: | Pleocyemata |
| Infraorder: | Brachyura |
| Family: | Polybiidae |
| Genus: | Polybius |
| Species: | P. holsatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Polybius holsatus | |
| Synonyms | |
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The diet of P. holsatus comprises crustaceans, especially juvenile Crangon, molluscs such as Spisula elliptica, and fish.[5] P. holsatus sometimes hosts the parasitic barnacle Sacculina.[4]
References
edit- ^ Michael Türkay & Charles Fransen (2010). "Liocarcinus holsatus (Fabricius, 1798)". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved November 4, 2010.
- ^ "EurOBIS distribution records: Liocarcinus holsatus". MarBEF Data System. Retrieved December 4, 2009.
- ^ De Grave, Sammy (19 April 2024). "Polybius holsatus (Fabricius, 1798)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ a b c "Flying crab - Liocarcinus holsatus". MarLIN - The Marine Life Information Network. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved December 4, 2009.
- ^ Satish C. Choy (1986). "Natural diet and feeding habits of the crabs Liocarcinus puber and L. holsatus (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae)" (PDF). Marine Ecology Progress Series. 31: 87–99. Bibcode:1986MEPS...31...87C. doi:10.3354/meps031087.
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