Observations and possible function of the striking anterior coloration pattern of Galathea intermedia (Crustacea : Decapoda : Anomura)

Galathea intermedia is common, but cryptic, on Clyde maerl deposits where i t lives in small groups of mixed sex and age, sharing shelters (typically d ead Dosinia shells) to avoid predation. Its appearance is marked by six iri descent blue spots which may play an important role in intra- or interspeci fic interactions.