Ryan Photographic - Varunidae - Mud, shore and stream crabs
Family Varunidae
The family Varunidae was originally included as a subfamily within the Grapsidae, however, recent DNA analysis has led to it being elevated to a full family and many species that were previously in the Grapsidae have been moved here. The family includes mud, shore and freshwater crabs.
One of the species I have photographed is the freshwater crab, Varuna litterata and, together with my friend Satish Choy, we wrote a paper about the upstream migration of the megalopae stage.
Helica crassa Tunneling mud crab
Helica crassa (Family Varunidae) Tunneling mud crab from above. New Zealand.
Helica crassa (Family Varunidae) Tunneling mud crab, New Zealand
Varuna litterata Megalopae
Varuna litterata megalopae migrating on land. Wailoku, Fiji.
Varuna litterata (Family Varunidae) megalopae migrating on land