New freshwater crab species discovered in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Scientists just discovered a brand-new freshwater crab, Patithelphusa yercaudensis, living in the streams of the Shevaroy Hills in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu.
With this find, India now has 112 known freshwater crab species—almost 10% of the world's total.
Named after Indian taxonomist Sameer Kumar Pati
The crab was named after Indian taxonomist Sameer Kumar Pati—Patithelphusa honors Sameer Kumar Pati, a noted Indian taxonomist.
"Yercaudensis" simply points to its home turf: Yercaud.
Stands out from its closest relative
This new species stands out from its closest relative, Travancoriana schirnerae.
It's got a broader shell with unique triangular lobes and some very different DNA—about 9.7% apart.
Finding shines a light on Eastern Ghats
Finding Patithelphusa yercaudensis shines a light on the Eastern Ghats as an underexplored biodiversity hotspot.
Scientists say there's more to discover here and stress protecting these fragile hill-stream habitats from threats like tourism and land changes.