Male and Female Mating Pair of Macrophthalmus Crab Fossils

High resolution image above, other images below

Description: A highly unusual male and female pair of Macrophthalmus latreille fossil crabs from Australia. The two sexes are differentiated in this way. The male has a skinny line of plates on the abdomen, and big claws. The female has fat plates and tiny claws. The genus is extant.

The preservation of these two crabs is amazingly life-like. They are in good condition. However, numerous small sections of their legs, claws stalk-eyes, and pincers are missing. Please examine the photos closely for preservation details.

The stalk-eyed mud crab, Macrophthalmus, is a marine large-eyed crab of the subfamily Macrophthalminae. The common name reflects its long stalked eyes that it uses to observe surroundings while hidden under the sand. It extensively burrows beneath the sand and is mainly active at night. It obtains its food from detritus in the mud, and poorly tolerates brackish to fresh water.