Stone Crab Speciation
Two species of stone crabs exist in the Southeastern United States: Menippe mercenaria in the peninsula of Florida, and Menippe adina in the northern and western Gulf of Mexico. The two species differ in coloration and genetic makeup; they also differ somewhat in reproduction, salinity and temperature tolerance, and ecology. The table and pictures below show the differences in color pattern and habitat.
M. mercenaria
![Florida stone crab](/media/16176/m-mercenaria.jpg?format=jpg&quality=80)
Body and Claw Color: Deep chocolate to maroon
Body and Claw Markings: Usually solid, occasional mottling of light brown
Leg Color and Markings: Solid deep chocolate to maroon
Habitat: Limestone sand, rocky outcrops, seagrass beds
M. adina
![Gulf stone crab](/media/16175/m-adina.jpg?format=jpg&quality=80)
Body and Claw Color: Tan to light or medium gray
Body and Claw Markings: Black spotted, spots usually small but uniform
Leg Color and Markings: Dark brown, distinct white bands
Habitat: Limestone sand, rocky outcrops, seagrass beds