Gecarcinus is the type genus of the land crab family Gecarcinidae. They are found in warmer coastal regions of the Americas, and islands in the East Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. It has been suggested that Johngarthia, which are restricted to small islands, should be considered a distinct genus rather than a subgenus. Additionally, it has been suggested that G. lateralis and G. quadratus should be considered conspecific, while G. lagostoma and G. weileri were considered conspecific until 1973. While all members of this genus are largely terrestrial, they have to return to the ocean to breed (the larvae are released into the sea). They are often colourful, with reddish, orange, purple, yellowish, whitish or blackish being the dominating hues. This has resulted in some species, notably G. quadratus and G. lateralis, gaining a level of popularity in the pet-trade.

Species

• Subgenus Gecarcinus:
• Gecarcinus lateralis
• Gecarcinus quadratus
• Gecarcinus ruricola
• Subgenus Johngarthia (sometimes considered a genus):
• Gecarcinus (Johngarthia) lagostoma
• Gecarcinus (Johngarthia) malpilensis
• Gecarcinus (Johngarthia) planatus
• Gecarcinus (Johngarthia) weileri

References

• Bright, D., & C. Hogue. 1972. A synopsis of burrowing land crabs of the World and list of their arthropod symbionts and burrow associates. Contributions in Science. No. 220. Available online (PDF)
• Ng, P., & D. Guinot, 2001. On the land crabs of the genus Discoplax A. Milne Edwards, 1867 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinidae), with description of a new cavernicolous species from the Philippines. Raffles Bull. Zool. 49: 311-338.
• Türkay, M. 1970. Die Gercarcinidae Amerikas. Mit einem Anhang uber Ucides Rathbun (Crustacea: Decapoda). Senckenberg. biol. 51: 333-354.
• Türkay, M. 1973. Die Gercarcinidae Afrikas. Senckenberg. biol. 54: 81-103.
• Türkay, M. 1987. Landkrabben. Natur Mus. 117: 143-150.