‘Blood-red’ forest creature with unique genitalia discovered as new species in India
In a forest of southwestern India, a “blood”-colored creature went about its day. At night, it took refuge inside a tree hole. Scientists spotted the vibrant animal — and discovered a new species.
Researchers encountered four of these colorful crustaceans in the Central Western Ghats region of Karnataka, according to a study published Oct. 11 in the journal Zootaxa. Taking a closer look, scientists realized the animals were a new species: Ghatiana sanguinolenta, or the blood-red Ghat crab.
The blood-red Ghat crab is about 1.1 inches wide and about 0.7 inches long, the study said. It has a “broad,” “strongly arched” body and small eyes. The crab is a “unique” color, a “dark blood-red,” researchers said.
Photos show the blood-red Ghat crab. Its body has a rich and relatively uniform burgundy red coloring while the tips of its claws are a lighter cherry red.
Blood-red Ghat crabs are freshwater crabs, researchers said. They live in forests and hide in tree holes at night but will also forage in open areas.
Researchers identified the new species by its coloring, body shape and the unique genitalia of males. The genitalia of male blood-red Ghat crabs is “outwardly curved” at the tip, the study said.
The new species has so far been found only in a forest near Devimane, Karnataka, about 1,100 miles southwest of New Delhi, the study.
Researchers did not provide a DNA analysis of the new species.
The research team included Sameer Kumar Pati, Tejas Thackeray and Swapnil Pawar.
This story was originally published October 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM with the headline "‘Blood-red’ forest creature with unique genitalia discovered as new species in India."
