Great Spider Crab

Not always, because great spider crab is a common name used for different spider crabs in different regions. In Britain it commonly refers to Hyas araneus, while the Australian Leptomithrax gaimardii is also called a great spider crab, so the scientific name matters.

The British species Hyas araneus can reach about 10 centimetres in body length and 8 centimetres in width. It lives among rocks and seaweed from the low-tide zone to roughly 50 metres deep. [Wildlife Trusts](https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/marine/crustaceans/great-spider-crab)

Seaweed and other small organisms can grow on or attach to its shell, helping it blend into rocky and seaweed-covered habitat. This camouflage is one reason the pear-shaped crab can be hard to notice despite its long legs. [Wildlife Trusts](https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/marine/crustaceans/great-spider-crab)

No, the Japanese giant spider crab is Macrocheira kaempferi, a separate species found around Japan. A great spider crab listing should therefore include a scientific name before size or range claims are compared.