Size
Carapace Length: to 3.6cm (1.4") Carapace Width: to 4.4cm (1.75")
Recognition Characters
Carapace is as wide as long and conspicuously tuberculate. Rostral horns are shorter, wider, and blunter than in M. hispidus. Spines of anterolateral border are well developed, first or second inclined to be double, posterior 2 more acute and curved forward. Tubercles are more abundant and pronounce than M. hispidus. Large chelipeds, smooth, merus with scattered low spines on upper margin.
Color
Carapace is yellowish white with blotches of bright red; 2 largest red spots over branchial areas. Legs are a yellowish white, blotched with red, chelae are light red with pale tips.
Habitat & Depth
Predominately on coarse or rocky substrates, reefs, and ledges.
Distribution at GRNMS
Rare. Not as common as M. hispidus.
Geographic Range
Beaufort, North Carolina to Pensacola, Florida, West Indies to Brazil, Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda
Behavior & Notes
This species is often encrusted by small bryozoans, barnacles, or tunicates.
Synonyms
Williams 1984