''Discoplax longipes'' is a

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...

of terrestrial crab. It is found in

karst Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves. It has also been documented for more weathering-resistant ro ...

ic caves on

Pacific islands Collectively called the Pacific Islands, the islands in the Pacific Ocean are further categorized into three major island groups: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Depending on the context, the term ''Pacific Islands'' may refer to one of se ...

and ranges from the Loyalty Islands to

French Polynesia )Territorial motto: ( en, "Great Tahiti of the Golden Haze") , anthem = , song_type = Regional anthem , song = " Ia Ora 'O Tahiti Nui" , image_map = French Polynesia on the globe (French Polynesia centered).svg , map_alt = Location of Frenc ...

(the

Guam Guam (; ch, Guåhan ) is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States in the Micronesia subregion of the western Pacific Ocean. It is the westernmost point and territory of the United States (reckoned from the geographic cent ...

population was recognized as a separate species, '' D. michalis'', in 2015). Mating occurs in the caves, after which the females

migrate Migration, migratory, or migrate may refer to: Human migration * Human migration, physical movement by humans from one region to another ** International migration, when peoples cross state boundaries and stay in the host state for some minimum le ...

to the sea to release their

fertilised Fertilisation or fertilization (see spelling differences), also known as generative fertilisation, syngamy and impregnation, is the fusion of gametes to give rise to a new individual organism or offspring and initiate its development. Proce ...

eggs. The genus ''

Discoplax ''Discoplax'' is a genus of terrestrial crabs. It is very closely related to the genus ''Cardisoma''. Five species are currently recognised: *''Discoplax celeste'' 2012 *'' Discoplax gracilipes'' Ng & Guinot, 2001 *'' Discoplax longipes'' A. Mi ...

'' was for a long time synonymised with ''

Cardisoma ''Cardisoma'' is a genus of large land crabs. Three species formerly placed in this genus are now placed in '' Discoplax''. The four species that remain in ''Cardisoma'' are found in warm coastal regions where they live in burrows. Young individu ...

'', but was resurrected in the late 20th century.

References

External links

* * Grapsoidea Terrestrial crustaceans Crustaceans described in 1867 {{crab-stub