Bassaniodes bufo is a species of crab spider in the genus Bassaniodes , family Thomisidae . It was scientifically described by Dufour in 1820.
This species is found in the Mediterranean.
The toad crab, Hyas coarctatus, is a 'true crab' and therby has a heavily calcified, flattened carapace with a short abdomen folded up beneath it. The first appendages form large claws. It is a member of the spider crab family and has long, thin legs, and claws of the same length as the legs. Its stalked eyes are visible from above. Hyas coarctatus can reach up to 61 mm in carapace length and is reddish-brown above and white underneath. It has longer claws than the giant spider crab, Hyas araneus, and the two forward-projecting horns on its head are slightly longer and further apart than those of the giant spider crab.
Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland
Found throught the British Isles but absent from the west coasts of Ireland.
Global distribution
The toad crab is a benthic species found on both hard and sandy bottoms from the intertidal region down to a depth of up to 50 m.
Spider crab is up to 61 mm in carapace length.
Cornea of the retracted eye is visible from above and not concealed under the orbit.
Post-orbital spine is flattened and expanded laterally.
Basal antenna segment is less than twice as long as it is wide.
Abdominal region is dilated laterally and, with the post-orbital region, forms a harp-shaped shelf.
