Crabs copulating (Sesarmidae)

Part dominance display showing strength to the female, part forceful copulation, the male crab holds the already egg bearing female while he fertilizes her eggs which can be seen as a reddish-brown mass mass beneath her. This holding pattern can last from hours to days, sometimes until the female's next moult.

 

Photo from the Jardin Botanico del Pacifico in the Colombian Choco.

 

pbertner.wordpress.com/ethical-exif-ee/

---------------------

EE Legend

-Health injury/stress levels (scale 1-10-->☠️)

👣-Translocation

⏳-time in captivity

📷 -in situ

- Manipulated subject

🎨 -Use of cloning or extensive post processing

↺ -Image rotation

🎼 -Playback

Done