Butterfly King Crab

The crab's butterfly-shaped carapace has a stone-like camouflage, which it uses to blend in against the rocks of the subtidal and low intertidal zones. Carapace color within the species varies greatly, but small individuals (< 15 mm (0.6 in) in length) are typically white, while larger ones tend to have an assortment of vibrant colors. The carapace is exceptionally broad and completely hides the appendages when viewed from above or from the side; it has a median raised crest which is often a different color that contrasts with other parts. The male carapace is at its widest at a point further back than that of the female. The chelipeds of the male are relatively larger than the widest point of the female. The right claw is larger than the left and both claws are sharp, curved, and stout. Each segment of the walking legs has a dorsal crest.

The butterfly crab resides on rocks within the subtidal and low intertidal zones. When its intertidal habitat is exposed to the atmosphere during extreme low tide, it can be found clinging to the substratum in rock crevices or at the base of the seagrass Phyllospadix. It has been found to a depth of 73 meters (240 ft).