Belliidae is a family of crabs of the order Decapoda.

They respond to predators by hyper-extending all of their limbs and remain in this position a long time (Hazlett).

Species

Seven species belong to the family Belliidae :

  • Acanthocyclus albatrossis Rathbun, 1898
  • Acanthocyclus gayi Lucas, 1844
  • Acanthocyclus hassleri Rathbun, 1898
  • Bellia picta H. Milne-Edwards, 1848
  • Corystoides abbreviatus A. Milne-Edwards, 1880
  • Corystoides chilensis Lucas, 1844
  • Heterozius rotundifrons A. Milne-Edwards, 1867

Further reading

Hazlett, B. A.; Mclay, C. L. (2005). "Anti-predator responses of the intertidal crab Heterozius rotundifrons (Brachyura: Belliidae) in air and water". Marine & Freshwater Behaviour & Physiology. 38 (2): 95–103. Bibcode:. doi:.