Jäkälärapuja

Jäkälärapuja, or lichen crabs, are a group of small, often brightly colored crustaceans that inhabit rocky coastal areas. They are known for their unique symbiotic relationship with lichens, which they use for camouflage. These crabs are typically found clinging to rocks covered in lichen, their shells blending in with the texture and color of their surroundings. This adaptation helps them avoid predation from larger animals such as birds and fish.

The diet of jäkälärapuja consists mainly of algae and small invertebrates that grow on the rocks and in the shallow tidal pools. They possess specialized mouthparts for scraping algae and seizing small prey. Their small size and cryptic coloration make them difficult to spot, and they often remain motionless for extended periods, relying on their camouflage for survival.

Reproduction in jäkälärapuja follows the typical pattern for decapod crustaceans. Females carry their eggs attached to their pleopods until they hatch. The larval stages are planktonic, drifting in the water column before settling on suitable rocky substrates and developing into juvenile crabs. The distribution of jäkälärapuja is generally limited to temperate and subarctic coastal regions. Their conservation status varies depending on the specific species and their habitat.