New species of crab found in Costa Rica

Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's biodiversity with thousands of species of all kinds.

Recently discovered a new species of crab in the country, this was scientifically named as Johngarthia cocoenis which was found by a group of researchers from the University of Costa Rica in Cocos Island, one of the most diverse places in species of the Pacific of Costa Rica.

The leader of the research was the taxonomist of crustaceans Rita Vargas, who said in a detailed report, what were the differences with respect to other species of this type, according to the daily crhoy.com.

This new type of crab has a structure much more extreme in parts of his mouth (maxilipios) which are open and form while a lock between Yes, relatives of the same species, are more closed, completely blocked.

Cocos Island climate is tropical and this species has its mouth parts exposed, this because it develops in a very rainy environment and it is not necessary to retain moisture, according to the specialist.

Another significant feature of this new crustacean is the shape of its shell, which turns out to be different from the other types.

During the year 2009 a specialist of the UCR, Luis Lara identified a species of crab in fresh water, which is only known in the southern region of Costa Rica, it is called scientifically Allacanthos yawi.

Is called crabs to the decapods crustaceans characterized by having five pairs of legs, one of which is a clamp used to capture and handling of food, courtship, or the dispute territorial.

As arthropods they are granted an exoskeleton, which often acquires the character of a shell because it tends to be mineralized with calcium carbonate.

There are more than 4,000 species of animals which are called crabs, and most live near or within seas, rivers or lakes, although some only go to the water to breed.

Posted by Costa Developers