Asinis crab

Also known as Blood crabs, the Asinis Crab is found primarily in Flatwood Forest. But they do migrate to the Skeleton Coast during the rainy season for the beach mating rituals. 
Travelers have been alarmed to find themselves being caught in the middle of a sea of bright red crabs. They are not dangerous however as they are focused with an intense determination on getting to their destination.

Basic Information

Anatomy

One shell, 8 legs, and two pincers with eye stalks. They cannot breath underwater.

Genetics and Reproduction

They usually follow the moon cycle. The males head to the beach first, and prepare burrows. When the females arrive there is much jostling and vying for the best partner. After the females select a male they join them in the burrows for mating. The females hide in the burrows for 2-3 weeks 
The longest part is the journey from forest to beach and back.

Growth Rate & Stages

The little eggs hatch in the water and then are washed out to sea where they develop and grow over the next few months. They head back to the coast and make the dangerous journey back to the forest. 
Over the next few years they grow in size and their shells solidify so they then need to exchange shells every change of season. Over the next couple of years multiple shells are changed and the smaller ones left for the next baby crabs to switch into. Once they are mature they only need to shed their shells once a year which often happens while they hibernate and they can then grow a new shell. 
They become of mating age and will join the beach journey to meet, mate and continue the cycle.

Ecology and Habitats

They live in burrows in the Bloodwood Forest. They're the only known crab species to survive traveling through the desert. There are other giant tree dwelling crabs but none that survive in such extreme conditions. 
Despite not being water dwellers, they still need moisture so their burrows often fill with water from the roots of the bloodwood trees.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They scavenge fallen leaves, fruits, seeds, small animals, snails, insects, or whatever they can find. It gathers food primarily amongst the forest foliage.
They find water in the tree roots which surround their burrows.

Biological Cycle

They come in a variety of red shades. Their shells darken around the edges as they age. And they are a brighter shade of red during the rainy season and fade to a dull sandy red during other times of year. They hibernate during the dry season by covering themselves in their burrow to maintain humidity. They emerge and start scavenging again as the moisture levels rise again.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The blood of the crab is sought after as an ingredient much desired by healers. It has many healing properties and purposes. Crabs are caught, bled and released with food offerings left for the crabs as thanks for their services. 
Eating of the crab is forbidden.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Throughout the Flatwood Forest, traveling through the Ayrith Desert to the Skeleton Coast.

Scientific Name

Cancer Sanguis

Lifespan

Up to 12 years

Conservation Status

There are hundreds of thousands of crabs so no conservation measures are in effect.

Average Weight

They can way up to 500-750g.

Average Length

15-20cms for a fully grown adult.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Crabs have been found in colours ranging from a sandy to bright red. They have a variety of markings that look like stones or forest foliage.