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Dotilla myctiroides (H. Milne Edwards, 1852)
| Family Name: | Ocypodidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Crustacean, Crab and Prawn) |
| Common Name: | Soldier Crab |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | This once common crab lives on sandy/muddy littoral habitats and comes out at low tide, often occurring in swarms, to forage for detritus and small organisms deposited by the receding tide. To avoid the incoming tidem they burrow into the sand or mud and trap a small bubble of air to last them through the high tide. It is well adapted for terrestrial living, possessing hairs that absorb moisture from the wet sand, and modified leg segments that can absorb oxygen from air. |
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| Habitats | Marine |
| Distribution | South-east Asia. |
| Nature Areas | Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Beach development and coastal pollution. The species used to be very common in all sandy/muddy beaches in Singapore but it is now exterminated from most such beaches except in parts of northern Singapore, Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong. Extensive pollution by oils and other chemicals has also affected the populations of this crab very severely. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | The unique terrestrial adaptations of this species are of interest. Furthermore, as an animal that occurs in very large numbers, it would surely have an important role in its ecosystem, both as a prey organism and as a detritivore and macro-decomposer. |
| Conservation Notes | Proper beach management and conservation. |
Status
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Vulnerable (VU) [2008] |
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Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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