Pseudosquillana richeri, an unusual spearer

[Gonodactylus]

This is the pseudosquillid that Raman found and posted for an id a couple of weeks ago.

It is a 60 mm female Pseudosquillana richeri, a shallow reef flat species found from scattered locations in the Indo-Pacific. Maximum size is around 9 cm, but that is all we really know about it. Juvenile and small adults always have a single medial spot on the carapace, but this animal does not. Apparently they are lost when the animal gets larger. This specimen also has bright orange meral spots - the same color as a G. glabrous. If I get some good pictures, I will post them later.

Thanks, Raman.

Roy

 

[Feclar]

Very cool

Is that really purple I see?

 

[BodiBuilt]

Wow! Nice shot! What camera/lens are you using?

 

[helipilot]

Awesome, as always!

 

[Gonodactylus]

I use a Nikon D200 with twin SB 800's. I prefer film, but quick and dirty, digital is convenient.

Roy

 

[justinl]

gorgeous mantis!

 

[kcandm]

Nice! Where can i get one, lol.

 

[Gonodactylus]

This animal molted yesterday. The carapace was stuck, but came off after a day. Seems likely to make it although it is not clearly as colorful now.

Roy

 

[justinl]

do you think that it is a permanent change or might the color recover once the carapace fully hardens?