New Discovery: The "Red-Legged Fairy" Fiddler Crab in Penghu

Reporter Zhou Youzheng / Comprehensive Report

New Discovery: The "Qingluo Wetland" in Huxi Township, Penghu County, discovered last yearRed-Legged Fairy(in Taiwanese Hokkien), a new record species of Taiwanese fiddler crab, the "Callichirus elegans," whose true identity has been verified through DNA testing. This finally confirms the species, which was long mistaken for the "Uca crassipes." During the summer vacation, which coincides with the fiddler crab breeding season, visitors can go to admire various types of fiddler crabs.

▲ The "charming and adorable little fellow" shows off its bright red large claws, complemented by rare reddish-brown features (Photo / Provided by the Penghu Birdwatching Society)

“Qingluo Wetlandis the largest wetland in Penghu County and also a national-level wetland. It consists of gravel, rocky reefs, sandy beaches, and muddy coasts. The wetland is covered with mangroves, and various types of wetland terrains such as tidal flats and sandbars can also be found here. In addition to its naturally formed landforms, the wetland serves as a habitat and activity area for many organisms, especially the diverse species of fiddler crabs that are frequently spotted near the mangroves.

▲ The entire Qingluo Spit area in Penghu. (Photo / Provided by the Penghu Birdwatching Society)

Lin Changxing, a teacher from the Penghu County Birdwatching Society,said: "In winter, they all hide away, but in summer under the blazing sun, they all come out!" The hot summer weather coincides with the fiddler crab breeding season. Visitors to the mangrove areas near Qingluo Wetland can observe large numbers of fiddler crabs. The Callichirus elegans is characterized by dense light blue and dark blue lines on its back, paired with striking bright red large claws, giving it a very colorful appearance.

Lin Changxing mentioned that since its restoration, the total area of Qingluo Wetland has reached 5 hectares. In addition to the currently popular "Callichirus elegans," there are also species such as the "Scopimera intermedia" and "Uca crassipes." The entire mangrove wetland ecological zone holds many natural "treasures" worth exploring, and everyone is welcome to "come together" and experience it.