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Evidence of Cheliped Autotomy and Regeneration in the Lower Miocene Crab Achelous monspeliensis From Portugal
Carlos Neto de Carvalho1,2,3,4, Pedro Marrecas5
1Serviço de Sustentabilidade e Proteção Do Património Natural Da Câmara Municipal de Idanha-a-Nova; Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark Centro Cultural Raiano Idanha-a-Nova Portugal.
Ecology and Evolution
|July 16, 2026
Summary
This study presents fossil evidence of limb autotomy and regeneration in the crab species Achelous monspeliensis from the Lower Miocene. The findings offer insights into crustacean defensive behaviors preserved in the fossil record.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Marine Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Autotomy and regeneration are common in decapod crustaceans.
- Fossil evidence for this behavior is rare and difficult to confirm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report compelling fossil evidence of autotomy and limb regeneration in Achelous monspeliensis.
- To analyze specimens from the Lower Miocene of Portugal.
Main Methods:
- Examination of a significant collection of Achelous monspeliensis fossils.
- Analysis of pathological evidence and limb morphology, specifically podomere asymmetry.
Main Results:
- Identified two specimens exhibiting partial cheliped regeneration.
- Observed marked dimensional asymmetry in podomeres, indicating an incomplete regenerative process.
- Concluded that the crabs died before fully restoring the limb.
Conclusions:
- Provides strong fossil evidence for autotomy and regeneration in Achelous monspeliensis.
- Highlights the challenges and importance of identifying such behaviors in the fossil record.
- Suggests incomplete regeneration due to premature death before sufficient molting.
