Leptuca uruguayensis, commonly known as the Uruguayan fiddler crab or the southwestern Atlantic fiddler crab, is a species of fiddler crab native to temperate and subtropical areas of the southeastern coast of South America.[1]
Previously a member of the genus Uca, the species was transferred in 2016 to the genus Leptuca when Leptuca was promoted from subgenus to genus level.[2][3]
The adult crab's carapace is usually between 10 and 16.5 millimetres (0.39 and 0.65 in) wide.[4] Non-breeding males have a green carapace and red major cheliped; when breeding, the carapace of the male whitens.[4] The major cheliped can remain red or also whiten.
The crab is native to South America where its range includes Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.[1]
The species lives on silty sand or sandy silt soils with some organic matter.[1] It prefers brackish and saline environments of moderate to high salinity.[1]
Leptuca uruguayensis, commonly known as the Uruguayan fiddler crab or the southwestern Atlantic fiddler crab, is a species of fiddler crab native to temperate and subtropical areas of the southeastern coast of South America.
