Episesarma
| Episesarma | ||||||||||||
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Episesarma , Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Episesarma | ||||||||||||
| De Man , 1895 |
The Episesarma are a genus from the family of crustaceans of the partial order of the crabs (Brachyura) in the order of the decapod crabs (Decapoda). They live semi-aquatically (half on land, half in water) in the mangrove forests of the Malay Peninsula. The adult animals reach a size of 4 to 5 cm.
Episesarma are known to climb tree trunks (hence the English name "tree-climbing crab"). During the day they stay just above the surface of the water at high tide. At night they climb up to six meters into the trees, where they eat algae and above all leaves. In many mangrove plantations they are therefore considered a nuisance.
Episesarma are a delicacy for many peoples in the region, and they are often prepared in a special black vinegar sauce. They are therefore also referred to as "vinegar crab".
Systematics
The genus consists of three species, which differ in the colors of the scissors:
- Episesarma versicolor : The tips of the scissors are white, the rest of the scissors are dark purple.
- Episesarma chengtongensis : The lower tip of the scissors is red, the upper tip is white. The rest of the scissors are brown.
- Episesarma singaporensis : Has red scissors.
