Austrothelphusa transversa (von Martens, 1868), also known as the inland crab, freshwater crab, or tropical freshwater crab is a species of freshwater crab endemic to Australia. A. transversa is the most widely-dispersed species of its genus, as it has adaptations giving it a high tolerance to drought and arid conditions. Taxonomy and Description The inland crab has undergone numerous changes of specific name, changing genera, subgenera, and subfamilies, including Parathephusa, Liotelphusa, and Holthuisana. Due to the loss of type specimens, similarities between certain genera, and most recently molecular testing, the species is currently grouped with six other species in the genus Austrothelphusa. The coloration of the inland crab varies among individuals; most have a brown, maroon, and grey coloring to the exoskeleton, or a similar shade. The inland crab has a relatively smooth carapace which grows to around in diameter. Like other decapods, the inland crab has one pair of claws, one of which is longer than the other, four pairs of legs, and a relatively round carapace. Distribution and Habitat The inland crab is endemic to the Australian mainland and is widely distributed throughout the north-western half of the continent, living both in the arid inland conditions of central Australia as well as the tropical and sub-tropical rivers of northern Australia. The inland crab is predominantly found throughout ephemeral rivers, creeks, and waterholes throughout Queensland (QLD) and the Northern Territory (NT), whilst located in pockets in the north-eastern parts of Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA), and parts of north-western New South Wales (NSW). Behaviour Aestivation The inland crab is thought to estivate into the deep burrows in which the crab builds in clay or sediment banks as a way of dealing with prolonged droughts, waiting for the rain to restore the creeks, rivers, and water holes, allowing them to exit æstivation. The burrowing habit of the crab is vital for its survival, as it allows individuals to find a moist substrate, close to the water table, in which the animal æstivates during dry periods, similarly to the common yabby. The crab burrows average some in depth, and the entrance to the tunnel contains a plug, creating a chamber in which moisture remains trapped, preventing the crab from drying out. This prolongs the time the crab can remain in its burrow. Diet The return of water to ephemeral rivers in the wet season supports a temporary abundance of