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Mimulus foliatus Stimpson, 1890
Foliate Kelp Crab; Mimicking Crab
Family: Majidae

Species account author: Josephine Hart.
Extracted from Crabs and their relatives of British Columbia.

Photograph

© Aaron Baldwin     (Photo ID #67392)

Map

E-Fauna BC Static Map

Distribution of Mimulus foliatus in British Columbia in British Columbia

Species Information

Carapace flat, smooth, pentagonal, with margins laminate and winglike. Shape of carapace like a maple leaf. Rostrum short and bifid. Chelipeds stout and 1st pair of walking legs much longer than others.

Size

Carapace: male 35 x 39 mm, female 29 x 32.4 mm.

Colour

Considerable variation in colour and patterns. Carapace may be a combination of kelp brown, tan, pink, white, dove grey, light to dark brown, maroon, or red, and frequently with a broad white V medially. Chelipeds also vary in colour. Walking legs banded usually with white and tan.

Habitat


Intertidal, among rocks; often encrusted with bryozoans and other such forms.

Distribution

Range

Unalaska, Alaska, to Port Arguello, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands, California; intertidal to 128 m.
Distribution In British Columbia

Only on open coast of Vancouver Island (as far east as Sooke) and Queen Charlotte Islands.

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)
COSEWIC
UnlistedUnlistedUnlistedUnlisted



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

General References