Flatspine Triangle Crab, Phyllolithodes papillosus
![[Flatspine Triangle Crab, Phyllolithodes papillosus, crabtriangle.jpg=69KB]](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080921155953im_/http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/kodiak/images/photo/crabtriangle.jpg)
The heart crab, Phyllolithodes papillosus,
ranges from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to San Miguel Island, California. In the family
Lithodidae, their triangular carapace measures to 90 mm (3.6 in). They are
found on rock surfaces subtidally to 183 m and prefer shallow areas with
strong currents. Apparently, they have been seen feeding on small sea urchins
and sponge. Juveniles are often white with purple or orange markings.
Scientific name: Greek phyll (leaf) and lithodes
(like rocks); and Latin papillosus (full of nipples or pimples).
Digital photo by Jan Haaga. References (a complete list) in the text include: Jensen (1995), Williams et al. (1988), Barr (1983), or Hart (1982).
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