Dromiidae
Dromiidae is a family of brachyuran crabs whose members often carry sponges, tunicates, or other objects over their bodies, using modified hind legs.
Carrying behavior: A behavior in which an animal transports an object, often for protection, shelter, or food. Dromiids hold coverings over their bodies with the last pair of legs.
Brachyura: The infraorder of true crabs, typically characterized by a reduced abdomen tucked beneath the thorax. Dromiidae belongs to this major group of crabs.
Commensalism: A biological interaction in which one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Carried sponges may gain transport without clear harm to the crab.
Dromia: A genus of dromiid crabs found in marine habitats. It is the genus that gives Dromiidae its family name.
Crab morphology: The body form and structural features characteristic of crabs. Dromiid camouflage relies on a crab body with unusually modified rear appendages.
Dromioidea: A superfamily of brachyuran crabs that includes the family Dromiidae. This superfamily places Dromiidae among its closest higher-level relatives.
Mutualism: A biological interaction in which both participating species benefit. The crab’s protection and the sponge’s transport can make their association resemble mutualism.
Dromia personata: A Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic dromiid crab known for carrying a sponge over its body. This species is a familiar example of sponge-carrying behavior.
Decapod crustacean: A crustacean in the order Decapoda, which includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Dromiids are decapods with five pairs of thoracic limbs.
Crustacea: A large group of arthropods that includes crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles. Dromiidae is nested within this broader arthropod group.