‘Calm’ creature burrowing underground discovered as new species in India, study says
Digging into the forest floor in southern India, a small creature made its home underground. Emerging primarily at night, the animal went undetected — until now.
Scientists searching the Central Western Ghats forest in Karnataka peeked into the underground burrows and came face-to-face with the unusually “calm” creature, according to a study published May 15 in the journal Zootaxa.
The researchers collected several specimens and, upon taking a closer look, discovered a new species of freshwater crab: Aradhya placida or Peaceful crab, the study said.
Peaceful crabs are small crustaceans, their bodies reaching about an inch in width and less than an inch in length, researchers said. They have small eyes, long legs and a smooth texture. Photos show the animal’s dark brown body color and lighter orange-ish brown legs.
Researchers discovered the crab in burrows near trees or boulders, the study said. The burrows were usually between about a foot to 2 feet deep and spaced about 2 feet apart.
Peaceful crabs are primarily nocturnal and fond of rain, according to the study. The animals are more active during monsoon season, which occurs from June to September, and emerge during rainfall. Video shared on YouTube by co-author Sameer Kumar Pati shows the crab moving along the forest floor.
Researchers named the new species after the Latin word for “calm or peaceful” because of its “non-aggressive” behavior. Other species of Indian freshwater crab are more aggressive, the study said.
The new species was distinguished by its behavior as well as its morphological characteristics, the study said. Researchers did not analyze the crab’s DNA or compare its genetic composition to other species.
Researchers also identified a new genus, or taxonomic group, of freshwater crabs by looking at specimens held at repositories in India. The new genus, Aradhya, was identified by its behavior, body shape and genitalia, the study said.
“Crabs of this new genus are the first ones among the Indian (freshwater) crabs observed to be non-aggressive and quite calm,” the researchers said. Peaceful crabs are included in the new genus.
Researchers noted that “many new genera and new species (of crabs) are nevertheless awaiting description, especially from the Central Western Ghats” region of Karnataka.
Karnataka is a state along the southwestern coast of India and about 1,045 miles southwest of New Delhi.
This story was originally published May 19, 2023 at 3:48 PM with the headline "‘Calm’ creature burrowing underground discovered as new species in India, study says."
