Libinia dubia
This record describes Libinia dubia (species). Recorded family: Epialtidae. Recorded order: Decapoda.
Identification and Appearance

6 spines in median dorsal row (9 in L. emarginata ), fewer dorsal tubercles than L. emarginata
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Malacostraca
- Order
- Decapoda (Crabs, Crayfishes, Lobsters, Prawns, and Shrimp)
- Family
- Epialtidae (Kelp Crabs and Spider Crabs)
- Genus
- Libinia (Spider Crabs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Coastal, Nantucket to Texas, also Cuba, Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Libinia dubia H. Milne Edwards 1834
About Crabs, Crayfishes, Lobsters, Prawns, and Shrimp: the wider group
Order-level background for Decapoda, the group containing Libinia dubia. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Decapoda includes ~15,000 described species of crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish. Although primarily marine and freshwater, some species like hermit crabs and coconut crabs are fully terrestrial.
Ecological role of the group
Crayfish are keystone species in freshwater ecosystems, influencing water clarity, sediment dynamics, and plant communities. Hermit crabs play vital roles in nutrient cycling on tropical islands.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global shrimp industry alone is worth over $45 billion annually. Crayfish are important aquaculture species and invasive crayfish cause ecological damage estimated in the hundreds of millions annually in Europe and North America.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO fisheries statistics, freshwater ecology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Libinia dubia
What is Libinia dubia?
Libinia dubia is a species in the family Epialtidae, within the order Decapoda.
How do you identify Libinia dubia?
6 spines in median dorsal row (9 in L. emarginata ), fewer dorsal tubercles than L. emarginata
Where is Libinia dubia found?
Range: Coastal, Nantucket to Texas, also Cuba, Mexico
FROM LOOKING IT UP TO GETTING TO KNOW IT
Make sense of the bugs at home.50 household bug profiles for you. Photos, coloring, and activities for curious kids.

