A colour variation of Clibanarius virescens (Krauss, 1843) (Decapoda, Anomura) collected from Amami Oshima Island and Okinawa, Japan

Researchers have identified a previously undocumented color variation of the hermit crab species Clibanarius virescens (Krauss, 1843) from Amami Oshima Island and Okinawa Island in Japan. Unlike typical specimens, these crabs exhibit whitish ambulatory legs and shields, distinguishing them from known morphological traits of the genus. To confirm species identification, the study employed a combination of morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and nuclear histone H3 genes. The findings confirm that despite their unique coloration, these specimens belong to C. virescens, contributing new insights into the genetic and phenotypic diversity of this species in the region.

Yoshikawa, A., Nakano, T., Satoh, T. P., & Asakura, A. (2018). A colour variation of Clibanarius virescens (Krauss, 1843) (Decapoda, Anomura) collected from Amami Oshima Island and Okinawa, Japan. Crustaceana, 91(1), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685403-00003748