Munidopsis polymorpha Koelbel 1892

Munidopsis polymorpha is a species of squat lobster (also known as the blind albino cave crab) that is endemic to Lanzarote, Canary Islands. They are small, blind and pale, and can be found in the caves of Jameos del Agua, in lava tubes formed by volcanic eruptions 15,000 - 13,000 years ago. Ovigerous females carry only two eggs which are relatively big in contrast to the numerous small eggs in other anomuran crustaceans. It is the animal symbol of the island of Lanzarote.

Munidopsis is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on detritus, diatoms, or dead animals. These animals are negatively phototactic and can be found hiding in crevices and under rocks during periods of the day when portions of the caves are illuminated. During the night, M. polymorpha come out to feed, and at this time densities can reach higher than 150 individuals per square meter in Jameos del Agua. Munidopsis is territorial, basing individual territories according to the length of their second antenna, giving each individual sufficient room to graze. When an individual invades another’s territory, its presence is detected by their antennae and the invader is aggressively attacked with extended chelipeds.