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Pseudodromia

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Pseudodromia
Pseudodromia latens
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Suborder: Pleocyemata
Infraorder: Brachyura
Family: Dromiidae
Subfamily: Dromiinae
Genus: Pseudodromia
Stimpson, 1858

Pseudodromia is a genus of crabs in the family Dromiidae, often referred to as sponge crabs. They are small or medium-sized crabs which get their name from the ability to shape a living sponge into a portable shelter for themselves.[1] A sponge crab cuts out a fragment from a sponge and trims it to its own shape using its claws. The last two pairs of legs are shorter than other legs and bend upward over the crab's carapace, to hold the sponge in place. The sponge grows along with the crab, providing a consistent shelter.[1]

Species

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The genus contains the following species:[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Encarta Reference Library Premium 2005 DVD
  2. ^ Peter Davie (2013). "Pseudodromia Stimpson, 1858". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved August 1, 2013.